Effect of Autoclaving Field Beans (Phaseolus Vulgaris) and of Supplementing Diets Containing Beans with Amino Acids or Antibiotics on Performance of Young Chicks ,

Abstract

Two experiments were conducted with young chicks in which different varieties of dry field beans (Phaseolus vulgari s) were used to furnish approximately 67% of the dietary protein. The beans were used in either raw or cooked form and the diets were supplemented with methionine, a mixture of amino acids or a mixture of antibiotics. The results obtained show that all varieties of beans supported very low growth when fed in raw form and that significant differences in nutritional value were found among varieties. Cooking all varieties of beans by autoclaving gave marked improvements in chick growth. Supplementing diets containing cooked beans with methionine improved growth and feed efficiency to varying degrees, depending upon the variety, but diets containing raw beans were not improved by a methionine supplement. A mixture of four amino acids including methionine was no more effective in stimulating growth of chicks than methionine alone. Adding a mixture of penicillin and streptomycin to diets containing either raw or cooked beans gave a much greater growth response than methionine or the amino acid mixture.All varieties of beans fed in raw form caused marked pancreatic enlargement and cooking the beans reduced this effect but did not completely eliminate the enlargement.