This study evaluated the digestibility of leguminous protein labeled with 15N, by using nitrogen balance and quantitation of fecal endogenous nitrogen (FEN), determined by isotopic dilution, in order to correct apparent values. Seeds of common beans, cowpea and common pea labeled with 1.000 atoms% of 15N-excess were used as protein sources in diets for 60 male Wistar rats, during a 6-day assay....