Protein Nutritional Value Research Articles

Diversifikasi Produk Pengolahan Ikan pada Kelompok Ibu Rumah Tangga Pengusaha Karamba Ikan Banyu Hirang, Desa Bangkal, Kecamatan Cempaka, Kota Banjarbaru, Kalimantan Selatan

Fishery product diversification activities can be used to overcome problems that are often experienced by fish cage entrepreneurs. If there is an excess harvest of fresh fish or the yield is forced to do due to sudden changes in water conditions (such as water pollution, excess capacity of the buyer, the death of fresh fish), the problem has not resolved so far. The purpose of this activity is to provide knowledge and skills for housewife of �karamba� businesspeople in the form of making presto of soft thorn carp and nugget of tilapia in Bangkal Village, Cempaka District, Banjarbaru City, South of Kalimantan. The method used in this activity is the survey, demonstration, and evaluation of the implementation of activities. The results of this activity were in the form of nuggets of tilapia and presto of soft thorn carp produced by housewives of businesspeople from Banyu Hirang Village in Bangkal Village as participants. In addition to its delicious taste, has a high protein nutritional value, these processed products can also sell as a source of household income.

Genetic and Molecular Regulation of Seed Storage Proteins (SSPs) to Improve Protein Nutritional Value of Oilseed Rape (Brassica napus L.) Seeds.

The world-wide demand for additional protein sources for human nutrition and animal feed keeps rising due to rapidly growing world population. Oilseed rape is a second important oil producing crop and the by-product of the oil production is a protein rich meal. The protein in rapeseed meal finds its application in animal feed and various industrial purposes, but its improvement is of great interest, especially for non-ruminants and poultry feed. To be able to manipulate the quality and quantity of seed protein in oilseed rape, understanding genetic architecture of seed storage protein (SSPs) synthesis and accumulation in this crop species is of great interest. For this, application of modern molecular breeding tools such as whole genome sequencing, genotyping, association mapping, and genome editing methods implemented in oilseed rape seed protein improvement would be of great interest. This review examines current knowledge and opportunities to manipulate of SSPs in oilseed rape to improve its quality, quantity and digestibility.

Meta-analysis of soybean amino acid QTLs and candidate gene mining

The composition and quantity of amino acids influence the protein content and nutritional value of soybeans and also have an important impact upon soybean quality. After integrating and proofreading 140 original QTLs associated with amino acid contentfrom soybase (http://www.soybase.org/), 138 QTLs were further analyzed to determine high-confidence QTL regions. Meta-analysis was first carried out using the BioMercator ver. 2.1 software, yielding 33 consensus QTLs. The consensus QTL confidence intervals (CIs) ranged from 0.07 to 19.85 Mb. Next, the overview method was used to optimize the CIs, and 57 “real” QTLs were mapped. Candidate genes in the consensus QTL regions were obtained from Phytozome and were annotated using the Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG), Swissprot, and gene annotation databases. Finally, 16 unpublished candidate genes controlling the content of five types of amino acids were identified with Blast. These results laid the foundation for fine mapping of soybean amino acid-related QTLs and marker-assisted selection.

Selection of forages by timor deer (cervus timorensis blainville) in menjangan island, bali

This study was conducted to determine the selection of forages plants by Timor deer (Cervus timorensis) on Menjangan Island and its relation to the availability, chemical and physical properties of feed plants. The study was conducted in July-September 2016 in savanna and monsoon forest habitats. The availability of habitat feed plants in the habitat was determined by the quadrat method, and the species of plant eaten by Timor deer was determined through the microhistological analysis of the fecal sample. The food selection index is determine by the Ivlev index. Energy contents of forages plants by bomb calorimeter apparatus, crude protein analyzed by Semi-Micro Kjeldahl technique, NDF, ADF and lignin levels refer to the method of Goering and Van Soest. Mineral content of calcium (Ca) and phosphorus (P) by using atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Determination of tannin content with Folin Denish reaction. Physical properties determine are water regain capacity and water solubility. The relationship between availability with the utilization of plants by Timor deer was analyzed with the similarity index. Multiple regression statistic to test the relationship between index selection with nutritional value factor and physical characteristic of plant species. The result showed that Timor deer selected 32 plants species of graminoids, forbs and woody plants. Feeding selection of Timor deer is strongly influenced by the availability of forage plants in habitat. The feeding selection was significantly influenced by three predictor variables i.e. positive nutritional value is crude protein and negative nutritional value were lignin and tannins. Selection of forage plant Timor deer is positively correlated with the physical properties of feed plants.

Protein nutritional value, polyphenols and antioxidant properties of corn fermented with Agaricus brasiliensis and Agaricus bisporus.

Solid-state fermentation (SSF) with Agaricus brasiliensis and Agaricus bisporus on corn was carried out. The results showed that SSF with the two fungi made up the deficiency of tryptophan in corn and improved the protein nutritional value of corn. The conjugated polyphenols contents in fermented corn decreased and free polyphenols (FPP) contents increased. FPP contents in corn fermented with the two fungi reached respectively 25 and 88 times of control, total polyohenols contents reached respectively 1.4 and 3.3 times of control. The antioxidant properties (i.e. 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging capacity, reducing power, ferrous ion chelating ability and superoxide anion radical scavenging ability) of fermented corn were improved significantly. SSF with A. bisporus was more favorable to the enhancement in protein nutritional value and antioxidant properties of corn than that of A. brasiliensis. The results indicated that SSF with the two fungi could upgrade the protein nutritional value, FPP content and antioxidant properties of corn.

Nutritional quality, oxidation, and sensory parameters in fillets of common carp (Cyprinus carpio L.) influenced by frozen storage (-20 °C)

The aim of this study was to find the effects of frozen storage on lipid and protein oxidation, firmness, liquid loss, sensory properties, and nutritional values in common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fillets during 6 months of frozen storage (–20 °C). Thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances, peroxide value, and carbonyl concentration were significantly increased after the 4th, 2nd, and 8th weeks, respectively. The firmness of fillets decreased, whereas the liquid loss increased. In contrast, sensory evaluation did not show any significant changes. The amount of monoacylglycerols and diacylglycerols decreased significantly after 8 weeks. The L* and b* values increased significantly after the 16th and 3rd weeks but a* showed a minor increase. The value of pH increased significantly until the 4th week. The results indicate that the development of lipid and protein oxidation was not intense in the period of 24 weeks of frozen storage, and the fish was in an acceptable condition. Practical applications The demand of consumers for carp is increasing owing to the high content of essential polyunsaturated fatty acids. However, deterioration of fish fillets during the storage time can be a major problem as it leads to a loss of market acceptability. Therefore, monitoring the changes in lipids, proteins, sensory aspects, nutritional quality, and firmness during frozen storage is important. This study showed that after 24 weeks of storage at −20 °C, the products of lipid and protein oxidation increased but all the measured quality parameters were still within acceptable values.

Nutritional value of proteins and lipids in breast muscle of geese from four different Polish genotypes

Summary This research aimed at determining and comparing the fatty acid lipid and amino acid profiles of protein from breast muscles of 17-week-old geese native to northern Poland – Kartuska (KA) and Suwalska (SU) as well as native to southern Poland – Lubelska (LU) and Kielecka (KI). There were 18 birds from each genotype (n = 18). During the experimental period, geese were fed ad libitum on the same complete feed.

Role of protein oxidation in the nutritional loss and texture changes in ready‐to‐eat chicken patties

SummaryThe oxidative damage to proteins during processing of ready‐to‐eat chicken patties and its impact on the nutritional value and texture properties of the product were assessed. The effect of cooking techniques (boiling, roasting and grilling) and microwave reheating (600 mW per 1 min) after 7 and 14 days of cold storage (+4 °C) were studied. Cooking methods had an effect (P < 0.05) on most protein oxidation parameters, including protein depletion of tryptophan, thiols, protein carbonylation and formation of cross‐links. Overall, the succeeding chilled storage led to an aggravation of the oxidative damage which occurred along with hardness increase and impaired digestibility. Microwave reheating had contradictory effects on protein oxidation parameters. An increase in protein carbonylation occurred along with a cleavage of disulphide bonds that would explain a decrease in hardness. This study illustrates to which extent the oxidative damage to meat proteins affects protein quality and nutritional value of a severely processed meat product. The impact of assorted cooked procedures on these events is also discussed.

Nutritive value responses to biological products in alfalfa forage (Medicago sativa L.)

The effects of the biological insecticides Madex and Agricolle, applied alone or in combination with the biological fertilizers Lithovit and Nagro, on chemical composition and enzyme in vitro digestibility, as well as energy feeding value of alfalfa dry mass were studied. Treatments were carried out at the beginning of the flowering stage during the second cutting for control of economically important pests, testing a method of organic pest control. Independent and combined applications of several biological products were found to influence positively the chemical composition, enzyme in vitro digestibility, and energy and protein nutritional value of alfalfa feed. An optimal combination of decrease in the content of plant cell wall fiber components and a significant increase in forage enzyme in vitro digestibility was revealed after the application of Agricolle and a combination of Agricolle and Nagro. Digestibility reached 60.4 and 59.9%, respectively, which is an increase of 12.0 and 11.0%. Alfalfa low fiber, high protein content, and digestibility made a very good complement to grains and other forages in dairy rations after treatment with biological products.

Sodium tripolyphosphate inhibits the formation of lysinoalanine in heat-treated whey protein

Heat treatment is a common method to improve certain functional properties of whey protein, whereas this process is usually accompanied with the formation of lysinoalanine (LAL), which may reduce the protein nutritional value and even cause safety concerns. This study aimed to investigate the effect of the protein content (8–10%, wt/vol), pH (7.5–8.5), heating temperature (70–85 °C), and time (5–20 min) on the degree of LAL generation in thermal treatment of whey protein concentrate (WPC) solutions. Results showed that the LAL content increased significantly (p 10 min) increased respectively. Addition of sodium tripolyphosphate (STPP, ∼0.6%, wt/wt) significantly (p < .05) reduced LAL content by 35.5%. We concluded that STPP can effectively inhibit the LAL formation during thermal treatment of WPC under the alkaline condition (e.g., pH 8.5). Practical applications Whey proteins have been widely used in food industry. It is necessary to investigate the lysinoalanine (LAL) (a cross-linked amino acid) content in heat-treated whey protein products. The LAL formation during thermal treatment of whey protein concentrate solutions at high pH values was inhibited by adding sodium tripolyphosphate (a food additive).

Relationship between protein molecular structural makeup and metabolizable protein supply to dairy cattle from new cool-season forage corn cultivars

Protein solubility, ruminal degradation and intestinal digestibility are strongly related to their inherent molecular makeup. This study was designed to quantitatively evaluate protein digestion in the rumen and intestine of dairy cattle, and estimate the content of truly metabolizable protein (MP) in newly developed cool-season forage corn cultivars. The second objective was to quantify protein inherent molecular structural characteristics using advance molecular spectroscopic technique (FT/IR-ATR) and correlate it to protein metabolic characteristics. Six new cool-season corn cultivars, including 3 Pioneer (PNR) and 3 Hyland (HL), coded as PNR-7443R, PNR-P7213R, PNR-7535R, HL-SR06, HL-SR22, HL-BAXXOS-RR, were evaluated in the present study. The metabolic characteristics, MP supply to dairy cattle, and energy synchronization properties were modeled by two protein evaluation models, namely, the Dutch DVE/OEB system and the NRC-2001 model. Both models estimated significant (P<0.05) differences in contents of microbial protein (MCP) synthesis and truly absorbable rumen undegraded protein (ARUP) among the cultivars. The NRC-2001 model estimated significant (P<0.05) differences in MP content and degraded protein balance (DPB) among the cultivars. The contents MCP, ARUP and MP were higher (P<0.05) for cultivar HL-SR06, resulting in the lowest (P<0.05) DPB. However, none of the cultivars reached the optimal target hourly effective degradability ratio [25gNg/kg organic matter (OM)], demonstrating N deficiency in the rumen. There were non-significant differences among the cultivars in molecular-spectral intensities of protein. The amide I/II ratio had a significant correlation with ARUP (r=−0.469; P<0.001) and absorbable endogenous protein (AECPNRC) (P<0.001; r=0.612). Similarly, amide-II area had a weak but significant correlation (r=0.299; P<0.001) with RUP and ARUP, and with AECPNRC (P<0.001; r=0.411). Except total digestible nutrients and AECPNRC, the amide-I area did not show significant correlations with DVE/OEB and NRC predicted protein fractions. This study shows that molecular spectroscopy can be potentially used as a rapid tool to quantify protein molecular makeup and screen the protein nutritive value of forage corn.

Nutritional and Health-Related Effects of a Diet Containing Apple Seed Meal in Rats: The Case of Amygdalin.

Apple pomace includes seeds that are rich in protein, fiber, and oil, which can be extracted from them. However, they can also contain a significant amount of toxigenic amygdalin. We hypothesized that amygdalin is a compound that significantly reduces the nutritional and health quality of defatted apple seeds. An experiment was conducted on rats that were distributed into three groups and fed with high-fructose diets. In the control (C) and amygdalin (AMG) groups, cellulose and casein were the source of dietary fiber and protein, respectively; in the apple seed meal (ASM) group, dietary fiber and protein originated from the endosperm of apple seeds, which were previously defatted and ground. A diet fed to the ASM group also contained 0.24% of amygdalin from the meal, whereas the AMG diet was supplemented with the same amount of synthetic amygdalin. After 14 days of experimental feeding, the body weight of rats was decreased in the ASM group. When compared to the C group, apparent protein digestibility and nitrogen retention were increased in the AMG group, while both were decreased in the ASM group. In the small intestine, mucosal maltase activity was decreased in the AMG and ASM groups, whereas lactase activity was only decreased by dietary amygdalin. The caecal SCFA pool and butyrate concentration were significantly increased in the ASM group compared to the other groups. Moreover, the ASM diet increased plasma concentration of high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and plasma antioxidant capacity of water-soluble substances (ACW). It also decreased the liver content of thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). In contrast, dietary amygdalin did not affect these indices. Dietary supplementation with apple seed meal can exert beneficial effects on the intestinal tract, blood lipid profile and antioxidant status of rats. In most cases, these effects are not limited by the presence of amygdalin. However, the nutritional value of protein from apple seed meal is relatively low.

Food chains; the cradle for scientific ideas and the target for technological innovations

Abstract Research in the area of emerging food science and technology is still often carried out in agri-food chain perspectives, as presented here in four different ways for dairy, meat, wine and cereal cases. The key focus is on the concept of food quality throughout the chain, and the meaning of added value and food functionalities for consumers. Technology innovation approaches essentially address ways to optimize and maintain food quality according to consumer preferences, needs and acceptances. However, they also strive to reduce the environmental impact of the transformation of agroresources into food products, via targeted and intensified processing schemes requiring minimal energy and water usage, as well as value-streaming co-products of used agroresources—which holds for all the chains presented. Another key area that emerges from the cases is protein science, which concerns agroresources rich in specific protein and, protein heterogeneity, structural changes, profiles, functionalities and nutritional value. This analysis further highlights the importance of linking food science and technology to agronomy, genetics, and socioeconomic sciences. Finally, knowledge management is becoming increasingly integral to food chain research in order to increase transparency and capitalize data in a consistent manner.

Moringa frequently asked questions

The moringa tree Moringa oleifera is increasingly being studied for numerous properties of applied interest. In the course of work on these properties, many questions arise from both scientists and potential consumers. Here I address some of the most common such questions. I explain that moringa's correct scientific name is Moringa oleifera Lam., and that Moringa pterygosperma is not a synonym but an illegitimate name. The wild range of Moringa oleifera is unknown but it might be native of lowland northwestern India. It is cultivated in all tropical countries, but it is probably best to avoid saying that it is “naturalized” because some uses of this word imply that the plant has become invasive. There are thirteen described species in the genus Moringa, but additional new species probably await description, especially in northeast Africa. Traditionally, leaves of Moringa oleifera, M. concanensis, and M. stenopetala are eaten, and the tubers of young M. peregrina are sometimes eaten roasted. All other species have local medicinal uses. Current commercial use so far emphasizes M. oleifera dried leaf meal in capsules, often touting protein content. Simple calculations show that capsules have negligible protein nutritional value. Such use in pill form rather than as a food leads to the frequent question of whether moringa has “side effects”. A review of studies shows that moringa has low levels of trypsin inhibitors, tannins, saponins, and lectins, meaning that there is no reason to expect that normal levels of consumption would lead to discomfort from these compounds. Nearly 40% of moringa calcium may be present in the form of oxalates, but current data suggest that these are insoluble, excreted, and do not contribute to the formation of kidney stones. Goitrogenic glucosinolates are probably absent, and if present are probably in very low concentrations. Moringa might have abortifacient potential, especially in concentrates. Given its usefulness and relative lack of antinutritional factors, there is global interest in growing moringa, so I examine its climate preferences. Moringa oleifera is a plant of the lowland dry tropics, growing best in places where annual low temperatures do not dip below 15°C, rainfall is less than 1500 mm and distributed in one or two rainy seasons, and below 500 m a.s.l. I conclude by underscoring the need for studies of all of these aspects across the entire diversity within M. oleifera and across the genus.

Structural changes on a molecular basis of canola meal by conditioning temperature and time during pelleting process in relation to physiochemical (energy and protein) properties relevant to ruminants.

The objectives of this study were: (1) To investigate the effects of conditioning temperature (70, 80, 90°C), time (30, 60 sec), and interaction (temperature × time) during the pelleting process on internal protein molecular structure changes of the co-products; (2) To identify differences in protein molecular structures among pellets that were processed under different conditions, and between unprocessed mash and pellets; 3) To quantify protein molecular structure changes in relation to predicted energy and protein utilization in dairy cows. The final goal of this program was to show how processing conditions changed internal feed structure on a molecular basis and how molecular structure changes induced by feed processing affected feed milk value in dairy cows. The hypothesis in this study was that processing-induced protein inherent structure changes affected energy and protein availability in dairy cattle and the sensitivity and response of protein internal structure to the different pelleting process conditions could be detected by advanced molecular spectroscopy. The protein molecular structures, amides I and II, amide I to II ratios, α-helix structure, β-sheet structure, and α to β structure ratios, were determined using the advanced vibrational molecular spectroscopy (ATR-FT/IR). The energy values were determined using NRC2001 summary approach in terms of total digestible nutrients, metabolizable and net energy for lactation. The protein and carbohydrate subfactions that are related to rumen degradation characteristics and rumen undegraded protein supply were determined using updated CNCPS system. The experiment design was a RCBD and the treatment design was a 3x2 factorial design. The results showed that pelleting induced changes in protein molecular structure. The sensitivity and response of protein inherent structure to the pelleting depended on the conditioning temperature and time. The protein molecular structure changes were correlated (P < 0.05) with energy values and protein subfractions of the pelleted co-product. The results indicated that the protein internal molecular structure had significant roles in determining energy and protein nutritive values in dairy cows. Multi-regression study with model variables selection showed that the energy and protein profiles in pelleted co-products could be predicted with the protein molecular structure profiles. This approach provides us a relatively new way to estimate protein value in dairy cows based on internal protein molecular structure profile.

Heat balance of the unit for grass meal production

Grass meal is as good as the grain components by its nutritional value, but excels them in nutritional value of protein and vitamins. One kilogram of the grass meal contains 0.7–0.8 feed units, 16–18% of the digestible protein, and up to 30 mg of carotene. During the high-temperature drying of the green material of the perennial grasses, these indices can be increased 1.5–2 times. The heat balance of the unit AVM-0.4 is represented permitting to analyze the possibility to reduce the heat carrier consumption of some processes. The line of the high-temperature drying of the grass in the pseudo-fluidized bed is offered where the optimal conditions of heat transfer and yield of the finished product and its separation into fine and coarse fractions are provided.

Study on Nutritional Value of Instant Sea Cucumber Processed by the New Processing Approach

In this study, the micrograph, the composition of amino acids and fatty acids were analyzed contrastively among the fresh, instant and commercial sea cucumber. The micrographs of fresh, instant and commercial sea cucumbers indicated that the processing technology of instant sea cucumber could effectively inhibit the damage of sea cucumber collagen structure and better maintain its original structure. Depending on the FAO/WHO and whole egg model to evaluate the sea cucumber protein's nutritional value, the results showed that instant sea cucumber owned the higher content of amino acid and the perfect profiles of amino acid, which meant that the protein of instant sea cucumber was easily digested and absorbed by human body and belonged to high quality protein. The instant sea cucumber was rich in essential fatty acids and n-3 series of polyunsaturated fatty acids and suitable for the Chinese residents' consumption. This study suggested that the instant sea cucumber was superior to the commercial sea cucumber with effective inhibition of the losing of nutrients and was fit for Chinese residents' consumption as a kind of high-quality products.

Improving the nutritive characteristics of corn flakes enriched with functional components

This paper investigates the effects of simultaneous addition of sunflower (3, 6 or 9 g/100 g of sample) and dry residue of wild oregano (0.5 or 1 g/100 g of sample) on the essential amino acids pattern and antioxidant potential of flake products. The accepted experimental design plan was 3?4. Data point that Score and PDCAAS values in flake products increase with increasing share of sunflower. Maximum value of phenolic compounds and antioxidant activity were experienced of TPC 2.84 mg/g, DPPH 0.75 mg/ml, FRAP 1.57 mg/g with the product having maximum shares of sunflower and dry residue of wild oregano. Tukey?s HSD test showed statistically significant differences between most of the mean values of amino acids content and antioxidant activity in the observed corn flakes. The response surface method has been applied for evaluation of amino acid content and antioxidative potential of corn flakes. Sunflower in flake products positively contributed to the protein nutritive value and dry residues of wild oregano elevated antioxidant potential of flake products and also contributed to the food waste valorisation in the food industry. Corn flakes are new products with improved essential amino acid pattern, antioxidant activity and functional properties due to added dry residue of wild oregano and sunflower.

EFFECT OF VITAMIN C, VITAMIN E OR BETAINE ADDITION ON ALLEVIATION OF HEAT STRESS IMPACTS ON GROWING RABBITS

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of vitamin C (VC), vitamin E (VE) or betaine (BET) dietary supplementation on growth performance, nutrients digestibility and antioxidant status of growing male rabbits under heat stress conditions. A total of 48 weaned New Zealand male rabbits with 641±15.77 g average body weight and 5 weeks of age was randomly divided to four experimental groups (12 rabbits per group), each was fed a basal diet without any supplementation (control group) or supplemented with 500 mg VC (2 nd group), 200 mg VE (3 rd group) or 1000 mg BET (4 th group)/kg diet for 8 weeks. Throughout the experiment, the overall mean of temperature humidity index (THI) was 84.67± 0.35, reflecting a state of severe heat stress. Results of growth performance showed that rabbits receiving VE, VC or BET had significantly higher live body weight (LBW), daily body weight gain (DBWG), and reduced water intake and feed conversion rate (FCR) as compared to the non-supplemented group. In particular, BET supplemented growing rabbits showed significantly marked improvement of the digestibility of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP) and nitrogen free extract (NFE) and nutritive values compared to the non-supplemented group. All tested additives evoked significant improvement of antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, white blood cells (WBCs) and lymphocyte count. Conclusively, the results revealed that VE, VC and BET could be useful as an economic efficient and natural dietary additives protecting against the negative impacts of heat stress in growing rabbits to maintain performance and antioxidant status.

Seasonal and Species Variation of the Hepatotoxin Indospicine in Australian Indigofera Legumes As Measured by UPLC-MS/MS.

Livestock industries have maintained a keen interest in pasture legumes because of the high protein content and nutritive value. Leguminous Indigofera plant species have been considered as having high feeding values to be utilized as pasture, but the occurrence of the toxic constituent indospicine in some species has restricted this utility. Indospicine has caused both primary and secondary hepatotoxicosis and also reproductive losses, but has only previously been determined in a small number of Indigofera species. This paper validates a high-throughput ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method to determine the indospicine content of various Indigofera species found in Australian pasture. Twelve species of Indigofera together with Indigastrum parviflorum plants were collected and analyzed. Of the 84 samples analyzed, *I. spicata (the asterisk indicates a naturalized species) contained the highest indospicine level (1003 ± 328 mg/kg DM, n = 4) followed by I. linnaei (755 ± 490 mg/kg DM, n = 51). Indospicine was not detected in 9 of the remaining 11 species and at only low levels (<10 mg/kg DM) in 2 of 8 I. colutea specimens and in 1 of 5 I. linifolia specimens. Indospicine concentrations were below quantitation levels for other Indigofera spp. (I. adesmiifolia, I. georgei, I. hirsuta, I. leucotricha, *I. oblongifolia, I. australis, and I. trita) and Indigastrum parviflorum. One of the more significant findings to emerge from this study is that the indospicine content of I.linnaei is highly variable (from 159 to 2128 mg/kg DM, n = 51) and differs across both regions and seasons. Its first regrowth after spring rain has a higher (p < 0.01) indospicine content than growth following more substantial summer rain. The species collected include the predominant Indigofera in Australia pasture, and of these, only *I. spicata and I. linnaei contain high enough levels of indospicine to pose a potential toxic threat to grazing herbivores.