Riboflavin content in lupine seeds and blood plasma riboflavin status in broilers fed diets containing high levels of lupine seeds

Abstract

AbstractBACKGROUND: The potential of lupine as a source of protein and other nutrients in poultry has attracted considerable attention in countries dependent on imports of soybean meal (SBM), as well as in organic farming. Nutritional aspects of riboflavin in lupines are poorly understood. This work evaluated riboflavin content in whole and dehulled seeds of three lupines (L. albus, L. angustifolius, L. luteus) and riboflavin status in broiler fed diets containing high levels of lupine seeds in comparison to SBM.RESULTS: Riboflavin is concentrated mainly in lupine cotyledons, predominantly as flavin mononucleotide. Its content in whole seeds ranged from 2.07 to 2.70 mg kg−1, and was comparable to content in SBM (2.35 mg kg−1). In comparison to the SBM‐fed group, broilers fed lupine diets showed higher plasma riboflavin (P < 0.05), but their growth rate and feed intake parameters were significantly lower (P < 0.05).CONCLUSION: Lupine seeds contain moderate to high levels of riboflavin. Feeding diets containing high levels of lupine seeds did not have adverse effects on plasma riboflavin status in broilers. Poor performance of broilers fed lupine diets is not associated with inadequacy of riboflavin. Copyright © 2008 Society of Chemical Industry