Common Cereal Grains Research Articles

Inclusion of Sorghum in Ruminant Diets Towards Methane Emission Mitigation and Improved Meat Quality: A Review

Sorghum is among the less widely used crops yet it is ranked the fifth most important cereal crop after wheat, maize, rice and barley. The grain’s nutritional value is similar to that of maize and wheat and the phenolic profile is more abundant and varied than other common cereal grains. Sorghum has been largely included in ruminant diets as an energy source and research findings show insignificant differences in the performance parameters in livestock fed sorghum-based diets, with some studies suggesting sorghum as a more efficient alternative to maize. The narrative review focuses on opportunities for reducing rumen methanogenesis through dietary inclusion of sorghum as well as discussing the impact on relative abundance of microbiota and meat quality. The grain possesses qualities that can potentially influence the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions in ruminant livestock production, relative abundance of rumen microbes and meat quality. However, there is very little information on the influence of sorghum grain-based diets on the rumen bacterial community composition and their relationship with ruminal metabolites. Further investigations are required to add more knowledge on the effect of sorghum grain-based diets on meat quality.

Evaluation of nutritional, anti-nutritional and mineral content of amaranths species grown in Gamo and Konso zone, Southern Ethiopia

Amaranth (Amaranthus sp.) is an underutilized pseudo-cereal with excellent nutritional and functional properties. The nutritional compositions, anti-nutritional and mineral content of two Amaranth species were evaluated by using standard procedures. Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used for nutritional, anti-nutritional and mineral content with two treatments and five replications. The nutritional compositions of Amaranthus cruentus and Amaranthus hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean scores excepting moisture content. Phytate and oxalate content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05), but tannin content did not show a significant difference (p<0.05). The calcium, iron and zinc content of A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus were shown a significant difference (p<0.05) in mean, scores. The Amaranth grain species were rich in crude protein, fat and fiber as compared to common cereal grains (maize, sorghum, rice, teff and wheat). A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can contribute minerals such as calcium, iron and zinc, which are very important for human nutrition. The results of the current study indicate that A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus can provide better nutritional values and mineral content with a minimum value of anti-nutrients that are very important to minimize binds and block the absorption of certain minerals, such as iron, zinc and calcium. Using A. cruentus and A. hypochondriacus alone and with other cereals should be encouraged and recommended for consumption to increase the nutritional composition of diets and decrease food security problem in a study areas. Int. J. Agril. Res. Innov. Tech. 12(2): 36-40, December 2022

Barley, an Undervalued Cereal for Poultry Diets: Limitations and Opportunities.

Simple SummaryWith the ever-increasing demand for poultry products, the continuous supply of conventional cereal grains such as maize has become a challenge. Barley has been recognised as a potential alternative feed ingredient that can replace common cereal grains in poultry diets. However, due to several limitations such as the presence of various anti-nutritive factors and the variability in nutrient composition and quality, the use of barley in poultry diets remains comparatively low. The previous findings on the optimum use of barley in poultry diets are also inconsistent primarily due to differences in research methodologies. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised in this review. Moreover, the need to adapt feed processing conditions suitable to different barley cultivars to increase the inclusion of barley in poultry diets is highlighted in this review.The supply of conventional cereal grains, especially of maize, will be a significant constraint to the future growth of the poultry industry. Various alternative feed ingredients are being tested to replace maize in poultry diets. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one such feed ingredient, the use of which remains limited in poultry diets due to its low metabolisable energy, presence of anti-nutritive, soluble non-starch polysaccharides and consequent inter-cultivar variability. Differences in research methodologies used in published studies have also contributed to the inconsistent findings, preventing a good understanding of the nutritional value of barley for poultry. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles, specifically metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised. Nutritionists should also pay close attention to feed processing conditions tailored to the specific barley cultivars to increase the barley inclusion in poultry diets.

Effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial on in vitro nutrient digestibility of forage and high-starch concentrate substrates.

Two experiments evaluated the effects of a Bacillus-based direct-fed microbial (DFM) on in vitro dry matter (DM) and neutral detergent fiber (NDF; experiment 1) and starch (experiment 2) digestibility of a variety of ruminant feedstuffs. In experiment 1, 10 forage sources were evaluated: ryegrass, alfalfa hay, leucaena, corn silage, spinifex, buffel grass, flinders grass, Mitchell grass, Rhodes grass hay, and Queensland bluegrass. Experimental treatments were control (forages with no probiotic inoculation; CON) and forage sources inoculated with a mixture containing Bacillus licheniformis and Bacillus subtilis (3.2 × 109 CFU per g; DFM). In vitro DM and NDF digestibility were evaluated at 24- and 48-h post-treatment inoculation. Treatment × hour interactions were noted for IVDMD (in vitro dry matter digestibility) and IVNDFD (in vitro neutral detergent fibre digestibility) (P ≤ 0.05). More specifically, DFM inoculation increased (P ≤ 0.03) IVDMD at 24 h in four forages and increased 48-h IVDMD (P ≤ 0.02) in alfalfa hay, ryegrass, leucaena, and Mitchell grass hay, but opposite results were observed for Queensland bluegrass (P < 0.01). A 24- and 48-h IVNDFD increased following DFM inoculation (P ≤ 0.02) in five forage sources, but reduced for Queensland bluegrass (P < 0.01). When the forages were classified according to their quality, main treatment effects were detected for IVDMD (P ≤ 0.02) and IVNDFD (P < 0.01). In experiment 2, five common cereal grains were evaluated—high-density barley (82 g/100 mL), low-density barley (69 g/100 mL), corn, sorghum, and wheat—under the same treatments as in experiment 1. In vitro starch digestibility (IVSD) was evaluated at 6- and 12-h following treatment inoculation. Treatment × hour interactions were observed for starch digestibility in three out of five concentrate sources (P ≤ 0.001). Inoculation of DFM yielded greater 24-h starch digestibility for high-, low-density barley, and wheat (P ≤ 0.02), but also greater at 48 h in wheat (P < 0.0001). Moreover, mean starch digestibility improved for corn and sorghum inoculated with DFM (P < 0.01). Using a Bacillus-based DFM (B. licheniformis and B. subtilis) improved the mean in vitro DM and NDF digestibility of different forage sources of varying qualities (based on crude protein content). Similarly, IVSD was also greater following DFM inoculation, highlighting the potential of this probiotic to improve nutrient digestibility and utilization in the beef and dairy cattle herd.

Selenium bioconcentration in Canadian oat (Avena sativa) from soils treated with nanoscale elemental selenium

Development of selenium (Se)-enriched agricultural products can increase human daily dietary Se intake in Se-deficient areas. Canadian oat (Avena sativa L. cv. Saddle) is one of the common cereal grains in the world. Previous studies have shown that Se accumulation in oat can be significantly affected by soil Se, but few have dealt with different chemical forms of Se, including emerging nanoscale elemental Se particles (SeNPs). Because SeNPs have unique chemical and physical properties in comparing with bulk elemental Se, this laboratory study determined the effects of soil SeNP treatments of 0, 1, 5, and 10 mg/kg on Se bioconcentration in oat grain, compared with bulk elemental Se or selenate (Na2SeO4). The results showed that the soil SeNP treatments significantly increased Se concentrations in oat grain with an increase in the treatment level from 1 to 10 mg/kg (P &lt; 0.05). The distribution of Se accumulated in oat tissues followed a descending order of root and grain &gt; husk &gt; stem and leaf. While the grain yield was reduced with the higher soil selenate treatments of 5–10 mg/kg, the soil SeNP treatment of 1–10 mg/kg significantly enhanced the oat grain yield, compared with the control. Concentrations of Se in oat grains in the soil SeNP treatments were approximately 7–20-fold higher than were the concentrations of those in the soil bulk elemental Se treatments, but were about 7–26% of the concentrations in oat grains in the soil selenate treatments. This study demonstrated that nanoscale elemental Se particles could be used for development of soil Se-amended fertilisers for Se-biofortified oat.

Apparent metabolizable energy of cereal grains for broiler chickens is influenced by age

The current study was conducted to investigate the influence of broiler age on the AME and AMEn of 4 common cereal grains (wheat, sorghum, barley, and corn). Four experimental diets with the same inclusion (962 g/kg) of each grain were developed and fed to groups of broiler chickens aged 1 to 7, 8 to 14, 15 to 21, 22 to 28, 29 to 35, or 36 to 42 d post-hatch. Each diet, in pellet form, was randomly allocated to 6 replicate cages in each age group. Except for the 0 to 7 d age group, the birds were fed a starter (d 0–21) and/or a finisher (d 21–35) diet before the introduction of experimental diets. The number of birds per cage were 10 (d 1–7) and 8 (d 8–42). Excreta were collected over the last 4 d of each age period. The AME and AMEn of the grains were determined by the total excreta collection. Bird age influenced (P < 0.001) the AME and AMEn of all cereal grains. The AMEn of wheat declined quadratically (P < 0.01) with advancing age, from 3,461 kcal/kg in wk 1 to 3,219 kcal/kg in wk 2 and then plateaued. The AMEn of sorghum grain declined linearly (P < 0.001) with advancing age, from 3,762 kcal/kg in wk 1 to 3,614 kcal/kg in wk 2, plateaued to wk 5 and then declined to 3,556 kcal/kg in wk 6. A quadratic (P < 0.001) reduction in the AMEn of barley was observed as birds grew older, with the AMEn decreasing between wk 1 (3,286 kcal/kg) and wk 2 (2,988 kcal/kg), increasing in wk 3 (3,117 kcal/kg) and then plateauing. The AMEn of corn declined quadratically (P < 0.05) with advancing broiler age; the highest AMEn was observed in wk 1 and 5, the lowest AMEn in wk 2, with the other weeks being intermediate. In conclusion, the present results showed that broiler age has a substantial impact on the AME and AMEn of cereal grains and the effect varied depending on the cereal grain. These data suggest that age dependent AME and AMEn values may need to be considered when formulating broiler diets to improve the precision of feed formulation and production efficiency.

Evaluation of various lignocellulosic biomass and cereal grains as potential spawn materials for wild Schizophyllum commune cultivation

Rapid mycelium growth in spawn production and on growth substrate could suppress contamination, which is significant in mushroom industry. The aim of the study is to investigate the potential of lignocellulosic biomass waste as new materials alternative to common cereal grains in producing spawn for wild S. commune cultivation on rice husk, paddy straw, and rubber wood sawdust. The fastest mycelium growth among lignocellulosic biomass was found on rice husk spawn (1.27 cm/day) and 1.98 cm/day for wheat grain. The shortest duration for substrate colonization for both lignocellulosic and grain spawn is on paddy straw, followed by rice husk, and rubber wood sawdust.

Health Promoting Bioactive Properties of Novel Hairless Canary Seed Flour after In Vitro Gastrointestinal Digestion.

The bioactive properties and health-promoting effects of two novel yellow (C09052, C05041) and two brown (Calvi, Bastia) hairless canary seed (Phalaris canariensis L.) cultivars were investigated in comparison to two common cereal grains (wheat and oat). The cereal flours were digested using the standardized INFOGEST in vitro human gastrointestinal digestion model. The three-kilo dalton molecular weight cutoff (3 kDa MWCO) permeate of the generated digestates was assessed in vitro for their antioxidant, chelating, antihypertensive and antidiabetic activities. The results showed no significant differences in studied bioactivities between yellow and brown canary seed cultivars, except for antioxidant activity by the DPPH and chelating Fe2+ assays, where brown cultivars had higher activities. Canary seeds had superior or equivalent antioxidant activity than those from oat and wheat. The anti-hypertensive activity (Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibition) in yellow canary seed cultivars was significantly higher than that of oat and wheat, particularly for C09052 and Calvi varieties. Peptides exhibiting the highest antihypertensive activity from the permeate of the C09052 canary seed variety were further fractionated and identified by mass spectrometry. Forty-six peptides were identified belonging to 18 proteins from the Pooideae subfamily. Fourteen of the parent proteins were homologous to barley proteins. Peptides were analyzed in silico to determine potential bioactivity based on their amino acid composition. All 46 peptides had potential anti-hypertensive and anti-diabetic activities and 20 had potential antioxidant activity, thereby validating the in vitro assay data. Canary seed peptides also exhibited potential antiamnestic, antithrombotic, immunostimulating, opioid and neuro-activity, demonstrating important potential for health promoting effects, particularly against cardiovascular disease.

Sorghum Grain: From Genotype, Nutrition, and Phenolic Profile to Its Health Benefits and Food Applications.

Globally, sorghum is one of the most important but least utilized staple crops. Sorghum grain is a rich source of nutrients and health-beneficial phenolic compounds. The phenolic profile of sorghum is exceptionally unique and more abundant and diverse than other common cereal grains. The phenolic compounds in sorghum are mainly composed of phenolic acids, 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, and condensed tannins. Studies have shown that sorghum phenolic compounds have potent antioxidant activity in vitro, and consumption of sorghum whole grain may improve gut health and reduce the risks of chronic diseases. Recently, sorghum grain has been used to develop functional foods and beverages, and as an ingredient incorporated into other foods. Moreover, the phenolic compounds, 3-deoxyanthocyanidins, and condensed tannins can be isolated and used as promising natural multifunctional additives in broad food applications. The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive understanding of nutrition and phenolic compounds derived from sorghum and their related health effects, and demonstrate the potential for incorporation of sorghum in food systems as a functional component and food additive to improve food quality, safety, and health functions.

Influence of Traditional vs Alternative Dietary Carbohydrates Sources on the Large Intestinal Microbiota in Post-Weaning Piglets.

Simple SummaryNutritional and environmental changes result in significant physiological changes in pigs at the weaning stage. The post-weaning period is mainly characterized by low feed intake and feed efficiency, together with intestinal disturbances. Maximizing the energy intake is known to be critical for promoting growth in weaned piglets, and it is essential to formulate diets with highly digestible and absorbable nutrients/ingredients, as the degree of intestinal maturation is limited. The current challenge is to find new sustainable, effective, and simple carbohydrate sources to satisfy these conditions without producing detrimental effects on the gut ecosystem. In this research, processed and ready-to-eat food products that are no longer suitable for humans were tested, which have high potential as an alternative energy source for pig nutrition. The results demonstrated that replacing conventional ingredients with highly digestible and simple carbohydrate-rich ingredients in the diets of post-weaning piglets did not affect their growth. However, both the abundance and composition of the bacterial community in the large intestine changed. Thus, the results should be interpreted with caution, as they are case-specific, and when these alternative feed ingredients are used in the post-weaning period, their inclusion rate and their effect on microbiota must be carefully considered.In this study, common cereal grains were partially replaced by former foodstuffs products (FFPs) in post-weaning piglets’ diets, to investigate how these alternative ingredients influence the faecal microbiota in the post-weaning period. Twelve post-weaning piglets were housed for 16 days in individual pens and were then fed two diets: a standard wheat-barley-corn meal diet and a diet containing 30% FFPs, thus partially substituting conventional cereals. The growth performance was monitored and faecal microbiota was characterized by the next generation sequencing of the 16S rRNA gene. The results showed no detrimental effects on growth performance when FFPs were used. However, the FFP diet decreased the bacterial richness and evenness in the large intestine, while minor differences were observed in the taxa composition. The core microbiota composition was only slightly affected, and no differences between the two groups in the gut microbiota composition at the phylum level over time were observed. Thus, although these results should be interpreted with caution, as they are case-specific, FFPs can be potentially used as alternative carbohydrate sources in post-weaning piglets, but further investigations are necessary to clarify their impact on gut health when used for a longer period.

Feeding of wheat bran and sugar beet pulp as sole supplements in high-forage diets emphasizes the potential of dairy cattle for human food supply

Besides the widely discussed negative environmental effects of dairy production, such as greenhouse gas emissions, the feeding of large amounts of potentially human-edible feedstuffs to dairy cows is another important sustainability concern. The aim of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of a complete substitution of common cereal grains and pulses with a mixture of wheat bran and sugar beet pulp in a high-forage diet on cow performance, production efficiency, feed intake, and ruminating behavior, as well as on net food production potential. Thirteen multiparous and 7 primiparous mid-lactation Holstein dairy cows were randomly assigned to 1 of 2 treatments in a change-over design with 7-wk periods. Cows were fed a high-forage diet (grass silage and hay accounted for 75% of the dry matter intake), supplemented with either a cereal grain-based concentrate mixture (CON), or a mixture of wheat bran and dried sugar beet pulp (WBBP). Human-edible inputs were calculated for 2 different scenarios based on minimum and maximum potential recovery rates of human-edible energy and protein from the respective feedstuffs. Dietary starch and neutral detergent fiber contents were 3.0 and 44.1% for WBBP, compared with 10.8 and 38.2% in CON, respectively. Dietary treatment did not affect milk production, milk composition, feed intake, or total chewing activity. However, chewing index expressed in minutes per kilogram of neutral detergent fiber ingested was 12% lower in WBBP compared with CON. In comparison to CON, the human-edible feed conversion efficiencies for energy and protein, defined as human-edible output per human-edible input, were 6.8 and 5.3 times higher, respectively, in WBBP under the maximum scenario. For the maximum scenario, the daily net food production (human-edible output minus human-edible input) increased from 5.4MJ and 250g of crude protein per cow in CON to 61.5MJ and 630g of crude protein in the WBBP diet. In conclusion, our data suggest that in forage-based dairy production systems, wheat bran and sugar beet pulp could replace common cereal grains in mid-lactation dairy cows without impairing performance, while strongly increasing human-edible feed conversion efficiency and net food production index.

Chemical characterization of Achyranthes bidentata seed

The chemical compositions of seeds of Achyranthes bidentata (AB) were determined and compared to those commonly found within the same Amaranthaceae family, i.e. genus Amaranthus and to those of more common cereal grains. The study revealed that AB seeds were substantially higher in nutritionally important minerals, such as phosporus, potassium, calcium, magnesium and iron, as well as being substantially higher in total protein (1.6–2.4 times higher) than other grains. In addition to the higher edible oil content found in AB seeds, its lower saturated/unsaturated ratio make it potentially a superior source of nutritional oil. Although the study found that total vitamin E content in AB seed was 1.6 times higher than that of Amaranthus seeds, only small quantities of squalene, i.e. approximately 2.3% were found to be present in the oil. Overall, the study revealed that AB seeds had high levels of nutritionally important components and they may be of significant importance in the formulation of diets for humans and animal.

Changes in carbohydrate, free amino acids, organic acids, phytate and HCl extractability of minerals during germination and fermentation of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana)

Finger millet ( Eleusine coracana) also known as ‘ragi’ in India is a source of carbohydrate, protein and mineral that is comparable to other common cereal grains. However, antinutrients like phytate and tannins reduce the nutrient bioavailability which can be improved by suitable processing methods such as germination and fermentation. In our study, the finger millet was germinated (24 h) and then subjected to fermentation (48 h). Major biochemical changes occurred during fermentation (6–18 h) compared to germination (24 h). The processing decreased the pH from 5.8 to 3.8 and increased the total sugars (2-fold), reducing sugars (13-fold) and free amino acids (10-fold). Lactic acid was the predominant organic acid (3.7%). The phytate content decreased by 60% with an increase in HCl-extractable minerals of 47%. The phytate × Ca/Zn molar ratio decreased from 163 to 66.2, indicative of an increased Zn bioavailability. In conclusion, a combination of germination and fermentation is a potential process for decreasing the antinutrient levels and enhancing digestibility.

Effect of flame roasting on the nutritional quality of common cereal grains for non-ruminants and ruminants

The effect on nutritional quality of barley, corn, oats and wheat after flame roasting at three temperatures was evaluated. Batches of barley, corn, oats or wheat were flame roasted in a commercial propane heated roaster at 67, 100 and 133% of the manufacturer's suggested temperatures. A sample of non-roasted material was also included for each grain. Evaluation as non-ruminant feeds was done using a rooster bioassay. For ruminants, the dry matter and crude protein degradation in the rumen and intestinal digestibility were determined. Roasting had little effect on any non-ruminant estimate of utilization but it significantly ( P < 0.05) decreased effective ruminal degradation and ruminal degradation rates of dry matter and crude protein for all grains, although the effect was least for corn. Total tract digestibility in ruminants was not affected by roasting, except for oats and wheat which was reduced at the highest level of roasting. For ruminant diets, heat treatment by roasting of wheat and barley may be beneficial, resulting in a slower release of nutrients in the rumen and allowing more dry matter and crude protein to escape degradation in the rumen and be digested in the small intestine.

Content of fat, vitamins and minerals in quinoa ( Chenopodium quinoa, Willd) seeds

The seed of an important food crop, indigenous to the Andean region of Latin America, called quinoa ( Chenopdium quinoa, Willd) is a good source of thiamin ( 0·4 mg 100 g ), folic acid ( 78·1 mg 100 g ), and vitamin C ( 16·4 mg 100 g ). The seeds contain twice as much γ-tocopherol ( 5·3 mg 100 g ) as α-tocopherol ( 2·6 mg 100 g ) and larger amounts of calcium (874 mg/kg), phosphorus (5·3 g/kg), magnesium ( 2·6 mg 100 g ), iron (81 mg/kg), zinc (36 mg/kg), potassium (12 g/kg), and copper (10 mg/kg) than most of the common cereal grains. The amounts of mercury, lead, and cadmium found in these samples were low in relation to the values of tolerable intake for these elements. All values are expressed on a dry-weight basis. The fat content of raw quinoa seeds was 9·7% on a dry-weight basis with high amounts of oleic acid (24·8%) and linoleic acid (52·3%). The level of linolenic acid was 3·9%. The process of removing saponins from the seeds reduces the vitamin and mineral contents to some extent. The loss is significant ( p < 0·001) in the case of potassium, and considerable also in the case of iron and manganese ( p < 0·01).

Silica and Ash in Seeds of Cultivated Grains and Native Plants

Silica and ash contents and the depositional patterns of opaline silica have been determined in the seeds of 31 plant species. Included were 13 monocotyledons, eight dicotyledons and the seeds of eight common cereal grains

Studies on millets: Proximate composition, mineral composition, and phytate and oxalate contents

Grain samples of six varieties of common millet ( Panicum miliaceum), three varieties of finger millet ( Eleusine coracana) and four varieties of foxtail millet ( Setaria italica) were analyzed for their proximate composition, mineral composition and phytate and oxalate contents. The average protein contents of common millet, finger millet and foxtail millet were 14·4, 9·8 and 15·9%, respectively. The crude fibre content of the millets ranged from 3·2 to 4·7%. In general, the mineral contents were high compared with those of other common cereal grains. In particular, the high level of calcium (0·24%) in finger millet was noteworthy. The high contents of phytic acid (0·50–0·70%) in millets present grounds for concern, in view of its interference with several minerals. The oxalate contents (21–29 mg/100 g dry weight) of the millets were low. Considerable between- and within-millet differences were observed with regard to most nutrients analyzed. The overall results are suggestive of the underexplored potential of millets as sources of dietary nutrients.

The nutritive value of amaranth grain (Amaranthus caudatus)

The nutritional value of three pale seeded and one dark seeded variety ofAmaranthus caudatus was studied by chemical analyses and in balance experiments with growing rats. Effects of processing: popping, toasting and flaking were also examined. The pale seeds contained about 14% protein, 10% fat, 2.5% ash, 64% starch and 8% of dietary fibre. The black seeds had a much higher content of fibre (16%). The concentration of essential amino acids were high. Lysine ranged from 5.2–6.0 g/16 g N in the grains, and the limiting amino acids were leucine followed by valine or threonine. The grains contained small amounts of tannin (0.3%) and heat-labile protease inhibitor activity, at levels typical of common cereal grains. Digestibility of protein in the pale seeds was high (87%) and quite unaffected by processing. Protein digestibility of the black seeds was lower, and the digestibility was further reduced by toasting. The biological value of the protein was similar in all products, and very high. The content of minerals varied among varieties and was also affected by processing. Phytate: zinc molar ratios were high in most products, and rats fed the amaranth samples with the lowest zinc contents were in negative zinc balance. In general, femur zinc concentrations were rather low. However, amaranth is an unconventional crop which deserves further attention.

The proportions and chemical compositions of hand-dissected anatomical parts of pearl millet

A simple technique was developed and used to dissect pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) cv. Leeke] kernels into their anatomical parts. The proportions of the component parts of pearl millet kernels of different seed sizes were determined. The results showed that the germ represented a larger proportion of the kernel weight than in other common cereal grains. Medium-size kernels ( 2240 μm) contained 75·1% endosperm, 17·4% germ and 7·5% bran (pericarp + aleurone). The amount of bran varied with the seed size and type of pericarp. Large kernels (> 2920 urn) had 7·17% bran while small kernels (

NUTRITIVE VALUE OF COMMON BUCKWHEAT AS A SUPPLEMENT TO CEREAL GRAINS WHEN FED TO LABORATORY RATS

An experiment was conducted to determine the nutritive value of common buckwheat as a supplement to the common cereal grains. 192 Spraque-Dawley weanling rats were randomly assigned to one of 32 treatment groups with three males and three females per group. The experimental treatments consisted of one of the common cereal grains, wheat, oats, barley, corn, rye, triticale, white rice or paddy rice, fed as a monocereal or with 25, 50 or 75% of the cereal replaced by common buckwheat. An additional 54 rats were utilized to determine digestibility coefficients for the monocereal diets fed in the growth trial. Weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion efficiency improved at each increment of buckwheat inclusion for all grains under test. Cereals with the lowest concentration of lysine showed the most marked improvement due to supplementation with common buckwheat. Digestibility coefficients of 67.4% for dry matter, 65.8% for crude protein and 66.5% for energy were lower for buckwheat compared with the cereals which averaged 84.8% for dry matter, 81.8% for crude protein and 85.2% for energy. It would appear that buckwheat may be a valuable supplement to cereal grains as its high lysine content compensates for the limiting lysine content in diets consisting predominantly of cereals. Key words: Rat, buckwheat, cereals, supplement