Abstract
The current European protein deficit is estimated as high as 70% of present needs. Because of the high protein content of their seeds, grain legumes are attractive candidates for lowering the deficiency in plant protein production. The objective of this work was to identify new sources of vegetable protein that would reduce our high dependence of soy, the main source of protein in the manufacture of feedstuffs. To achieve this goal, we determined the proximate composition, the bioactive components, as well as the antinutritional factors present in the studied seeds. In general, the protein, fat and carbohydrates content of legume seeds studied were within the limits found in the literature. The bioactive compounds detected in all the seeds were α-galactosides, myoinositol phosphates, protease inhibitors and phenols. IP6 (phytic acid) was the main inositol phosphate form in all the samples. The highest protease inhibitors content was detected in both Lathyrus cicera cultivars. Vicia ervilia and L. cicera cultivars showed low haemagglutinating activity (20.4 HU/g). The γ-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine content in Vicia narbonensis was around 16.0 mg/g. Both L. cicera varieties presented similar β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid content (0.80 mg/g). The two V. ervilia varieties showed high canavanine concentration (1.93-5.28 mg/g). Vicine was only detected in V. narbonensis cultivars (0.3 mg/g). The biochemical characterization carried out in this study allows us to know the limits of inclusion of these minor crop seeds in feed formulations in order to replace the soybean.
Highlights
Legume crops are relevant for the European agriculture and nutrition, both for food and feed being a major source of plant protein
The bioactive compounds detected in all the seeds were α-galactosides, myoinositol phosphates, protease inhibitors and phenols
Legume seeds contain a great number of bioactive compounds that vary considerably in their biochemistry, as indicated below
Summary
Legume crops are relevant for the European agriculture and nutrition, both for food and feed being a major source of plant protein. Growing legumes in Europe has been declining in the past 40 years for reasons including: price competition of feedstock proteins produced mainly in North and South America; the increased use of chemical fertilizers in crop production; the availability of cheap sources of animal protein (fish and meat-beef, pork and poultry), and the simplification of agricultural systems. Plant proteins for human consumption and animal use with negative repercussions on the European trade balance. The current European protein deficit (and relative import values) is estimated as high as 70% of present needs, which puts Europe in a serious competitive disadvantage towards other countries
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