Variation in metabolizable energy content of raw or autoclaved white and brown varieties of three tropical grain legumes

Nutritional value of raw Canavalia ensiformis and its utilization as partial replacement for soybean meal in the diet of Clarias gariepinus (Burchell, 1822) fingerlings

The nutritional value of raw Jack bean meal (Canavalia ensiformis) as a partial substitute for soybeans meal was investigated in this study. Preliminary investigation on nutrient composition revealed that lysine, histidine, and phenylalanine were significantly higher in C. ensiformis seed meal compared to soybean meal. However, crude protein and other essential amino acids were significantly lower. Feeding trial was then conducted to investigate the effect of replacing about 40% soybeans meal (at 58.8% inclusion) with C. ensiformis in the diet of Clarias gariepinus. The result obtained after 56 days revealed that fingerlings could tolerate up to 20% replacement without significant effect on growth and nutrient utilization. Beyond this, growth was significantly reduced. Survivals of the fish also follow a similar trend as stated above. It was concluded that dietary inclusion of raw C. ensiform meal should not be beyond 11% (or 20% replacement for soybeans meal included at 58.8%) in the diet of C. gariepinus.

Nutritional composition of two wild mushrooms consumed by the tribals of the Western Ghats of India

This study provides the nutritional qualities of two wild mushrooms (Agaricus abruptibulbus and Termitomyces globulus) commonly consumed by the tribals of Kaiga forests of the Western Ghats of India. Both mushrooms composed of high quantity of crude protein, crude fibre, calorific value and low quantity of crude lipid. Potassium and selenium contents were high, while sodium, calcium and phosphorus contents were low. Except for three essential amino acids (EAAs: leucine, tyrosine and lysine), the rest of the amino acids in both mushrooms were comparable to soybean and wheat. Based on the EAA standards of FAO-WHO, these mushrooms composed of high quantity of threonine, isoleucine and histidine. The EAA score of isoleucine in cooked A. abruptibulbus and threonine, isoleucine, phenylalanine, histidine and sulphur amino acids in cooked T. globulus were substantially high. Oleic acid constitutes a major unsaturated fatty acid in these mushrooms, which was significantly increased in cooked A. abruptibulbus. Cooking also increased the ratio of TUFA/TSFA in A. abruptibulbus, while it was opposite in T. globulus. Cooking significantly increased the linoleic acid in A. abruptibulbus and eicosadienoic acid in T. globulus.

Nutrient composition and biological evaluation of an unconventional legume,Canavalia catharticaof mangroves

Seeds of an unconventional legume, Canavalia cathartica from the mangroves of the southwest coast of India, were screened for proximate composition, minerals, protein fractions, amino acid profiles, fatty acids and some anti-nutritional factors. The seeds consisted of 31.2%, 1.86%, 61.4% and 1580 kJ crude proteins, crude lipid, crude carbohydrates and calories, respectively. The crude protein content of seeds was higher than common cereals, whole-wheat flour (8.55%), parboiled rice (7.7%) and egg (12.6%). Essential amino acids, threonine, cysteine + methionine, isoleucine, tyrosine + phenylalanine and lysine were higher than Food and Agricultural Organization of United Nations/World Health Organization patterns. On comparing the amino acid profile of mangrove and sand dune C. cathartica seeds, the latter were found to be superior (total amino acid content, 123.5% versus 60.8%), while the result was vice versa with respect to the polyunsaturated/saturated ratio (105.9 versus 2.52). The seeds possessed 1420 mg/100 g total phenolics and strong hemagglutination activity, while tannins and trypsin inhibition activity were absent. Physical, nutritional and anti-nutritional features of seeds of C. cathartica of the mangrove have been compared with those of C. cathartica of the sand dunes of the southwest coast of India. A significant difference (P < 0.05) was observed between the physical, proximal and mineral composition except for ash, magnesium and copper. The protein efficiency ratio, food efficiency ratio, net protein retention, protein retention efficiency, biological value, net protein utilization and true digestibility of C. cathartica seeds were significantly different (P < 0.05) from casein. In spite of the high protein content, animal-feeding trials indicated low nutritional quality. Nutritional, anti-nutritional factors and protein qualities of seeds C. cathartica have been discussed in comparison with other species of Canavalia.