Utilization Of Grains Research Articles

Analytical approach to assess anti-nutritional factors of grains and oilseeds: A comprehensive review

This review aims to explore the various antinutritional factors found in grains and oilseeds, their sources, and the different methods employed to mitigate their effects. Both traditional and innovative processing techniques have been utilized to reduce antinutrients. Traditional methods such as dehulling, soaking, boiling, pressure cooking, sprouting, and fermentation have proven effective in reducing specific antinutrients like α-galactosides, phytic acid, enzyme inhibitors, lathyrogens, lectins, saponins, and tannins. However, optimization of these techniques is necessary to maximize their effectiveness and minimize antinutrient content. The review also provides an overview of various analytical methods used to quantify antinutritional factors in grains and oilseeds. These methods encompass classical gravimetric and titrimetric analysis, potentiometric titrations, chromatographic and electrophoretic separation techniques, as well as spectroscopic methods, fluorescence, and biosensors. A systematic and chronological review of these analytical approaches and detection systems is presented. Furthermore, the review identifies research gaps and highlights potential areas for future exploration in the field of antinutrients in grains and oilseeds. By addressing these gaps, we can further enhance our understanding and develop more effective strategies to mitigate antinutrients, thus promoting the utilization of grains and oilseeds for their optimal health benefits.

Indigenous Australian grass seeds as grains: macrostructure, microstructure and histochemistry.

Utilization of grains of local grasses by Australia's First Nations people for food and connection to Country has largely been lost due to colonization. Native Australian grain production has the potential to deliver environmental, economic, nutritional and cultural benefits to First Nations people and the wider community. Revitalization of the native grain food system can only be achieved if relevant properties of the grains are elucidated. This study aimed to characterize the grain structure and histochemistry of four Australian native grasses: Dactyloctenium radulans (Button Grass), Astrebla lappacea (Curly Mitchell Grass), Panicum decompositum (Native Millet) and Microlaena stipoides (Weeping Grass). For these species, as well as wheat and sorghum, whole-grain images were obtained via stereo microscopy, starch and the embryo were visualized, and sections of fixed grains were imaged via bright-field and fluorescence microscopy. The shape, size and colour of the whole native grains varied between the species. The aleurone layer was one-cell thick in the native species, as in the domesticated grains, except for Weeping Grass, which had a two-cell-thick aleurone. In the native grains, endosperm cell walls appeared thinner than in wheat and sorghum. Starch granules in Button Grass, Curly Mitchell Grass and Native Millet were found mainly in the central region of the starchy endosperm, with very few granules in the sub-aleurone layer, whereas Weeping Grass had abundant starch in the sub-aleurone. Protein appeared most abundant in the aleurone and sub-aleurone layers of the native grains, although in Button Grass, the starchy endosperm was observed to be rich in protein, as in wheat and sorghum. As a proportion of the whole grain, the embryo was larger in the native species than in wheat. The differences found in the grain properties among the four native Australian species have important implications for the agri-food industry in a changing climate.

Comparative analysis of VMT genes/proteins in selected plant species with emphasis on bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

In recent years, the study of molecular basis of uptake, transport and utilization of grain Fe/Zn (GFe/GZn) in wheat has been an active area of research. As a result, it has been shown that a number of transporters are involved in uptake and transport of Fe. In a recent study, knockout of a transporter gene OsVMT (VACUOLAR MUGINEIC ACID TRANSPORTER) in rice was shown to be involved in Fe homoeostasis. In this study, we analysed VMT genes among six monocots and three dicots with major emphasis on wheat VMT genes (TaVMTs), taking OsVMT gene as a reference. Using OsVMT gene as a reference, VMT genes were identified and sequence similarities were examined among six monocots and three dicots. Each VMT protein carried one functional domain and 7 to 10 distinct motifs (including 9 novel motifs). The qRT-PCR analysis showed differential expression by all the six TaVMT genes in pairs of contrasting wheat genotypes with high (FAR4 and WB02) and low (K8027 and HD3226) GFe/GZn at two different grain filling stages (14 DAA and 28 DAA). TaVMT1 genes showed up-regulation in high GFe/Zn genotypes relative to low GFe/Zn genotypes, whereas the TaVMT2 genes showed down-regulation or nonsignificant up-regulation in a few cases. At 14 DAA, each of the six TaVMT genes exhibited higher expression in wheat genotypes with high GFe and GZn relative to those with low GFe and GZn, suggesting major role of VMT genes in improvement of grain Fe/Zn homoeostasis, thus making TaVMT genes useful for improvement in Fe/Zn in wheat grains.

THE ROLE OF STANDARDIZATION IN EFFICIENT UTILIZATION OF COMBINE HARVESTERS

Currently, in the agro-industrial complex of Russia, there is a need to update the list of regulatory documents required for certification and maintenance of agricultural machinery in operation, including the disposal of decommissioned agricultural machinery. The development of a standard for the utilization of grain and forage harvesters is an urgent task. (Research purpose) The research purpose is describing the provisions of the standard for the disposal of combine harvesters and assessing the effectiveness of its implementation. (Materials and methods) Used the methodology of developing standards at the interstate level. It was noted that the specifics of this work consists in passing a public discussion and examination of the draft standard by specialists of the engineering service and interested organizations and enterprises of the Russian Federation and the member states of the Interstate Council for Standardization, Metrology and Certification of the Commonwealth of Independent States. Have taken into account in the draft standard the basic provisions of the Directives of the European Union: 2000/53/EC «On vehicles decommissioned»; 2005/64/EC «On the approval of the type of vehicles with regard to reuse, recycling and regeneration of energy and amendments to Directive 70/156/EC». (Results and discussion) We have prepared a draft standard that meets the conditions of the current state of the combine harvester fleet and the engineering service of the agro-industrial complex, and sent it for discussion. (Conclusions) The introduction of a modern standard for the disposal of combines updates the list of regulatory documents required for the disposal of agricultural machinery, will contribute to the technical progress of the domestic agro-industrial complex, stable receipt of secondary resources in the form of usable and restored parts, metal (black, non-ferrous), polymers, rubber, glass. The implementation of the requirements of the standard will allow you to correctly build recycling processes, increase the efficiency of the fleet of agricultural machinery.

Biogas-energy efficiency in the technological aspects of the agro-industrial complex

The state of development of technologies and equipment for the production of biogas (biomethane) both in Russia and abroad. The main microbiological processes that take place at the same time, technical and technological solutions, the economy of biogas plants. Special attention is paid to the use of biogas plants for the utilization of grain and potato bard from distilleries and beer pellets. It is noted that in the cold climate of Russia, the use of biogas technology is possible only with the support of the state.

A comprehensive investigation of Bronze Age human dietary strategies from different altitudinal environments in the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor

The early presence of crops from East Asia and Southwest Asia in the Inner Asian Mountain Corridor (IAMC) has drawn attention to the Bronze Age mountain archaeology of Central Asia. Namely, the Bronze Age diffusion and utilization of grains in this region remains unknown as contrasts and extremes characterize the territory in environmental terms, especially elevation. Researchers continue to reflect on how, during the second millennium BC, Bronze Age populations used new crops and local animal resources to adapt to different elevation environments of the IAMC. In this study, we analyzed the 41 latest stable carbon and nitrogen isotopic results from human and faunal bones from six Bronze Age sites in the IAMC, 261 previously published stable isotopic datasets, and 12 archaeobotanical and four zooarchaeological results to investigate the dietary strategies of populations from different elevation environments in the Bronze Age IAMC. The results show an altitudinal gradient in dietary choices among Bronze Age populations in the IAMC, with mixed C4 and C3 consumption at the low-mid elevations and notable C3 consumption at the high elevations. Archaeobotanical and faunal remains also support these isotopic results. Our study further highlights that the differentiated dietary strategies adopted by the Bronze Age population in IAMC may have been the product of adaptation to local geographic environments. Social interaction may have also played a role in certain types of special dietary consumption.

Целесообразность применения деки из вязкоупругого материала при шелушении зерна гречихи

Introduction. During buckwheat processing, up to 7.0% of the kernels turn into feed meal. This loss causes a significant decrease in profits during the production of buckwheat groats. Decorticating of buckwheat is complicated by the fact that the size uniformity of the grain mass does not exceed 40–50%. Since the grain size varies greatly, the mass is divided into fractions to optimize the
 decorticating process. Sorting of grain into size fractions with subsequent calibration increases the efficiency of decorticating. The procedure makes it possible to choose the appropriate decorticating mode while maintaining the integrity of the kernel. New methods of decorticating improve the utilization of grain and, consequently, profitability. The research objective was to assess the rationality of the use of visco-elastic material for decorticating buckwheat grain.
 Study objects and methods. The research featured buckwheat grain, which was divided into six fractions by size before decorticating. The grain was harvested in the foothill part of the Altai Territory in 2018.The effectiveness of the procedure was tested using a standard abrasive deck and a visco-elastic deck with Shore hardness = A-80-95 and elastic modulus = 2.8 MPa. 
 Results and discussion. A simultaneous use of a visco-elastic deck and an abrasive deck on a Valdecede machine reduced the mass fraction of the destroyed kernels at the stage of decorticating. The production tests involved processing of 23,000 thousand tons of buckwheat grain. The resource of visco-elastic decks in different fractions ranged from 6 to 12 months. The tests proved that viscoelastic decks provided a 1.5% increase in the mass fraction of buckwheat groats due to a reduction in the resulting feed meal. A set of economic calculations showed an increase in the marginal profit by 800,000 rubles per month.
 Conclusion. The use of visco-elastic decks during decorticating of buckwheat grain of all fractions increased the profitability of buckwheat groats production by 1.8% and raised the yield by 1.5%.

On the relationship between the shear forces in human skin and the grain direction of woven fabric

ABSTRACTThe prevalent utilisation of the grain line vertically in pattern cutting is arguably connected to the tailoring matrix, the theoretical approximation of the body that is derived from horizontal and vertical measurements of the body in an upright position. As woven fabric generally is anisotropic, that is, rigid on the straight grain and flexible on the bias this prevalent theory lack of dynamic qualities in interaction with the moving body. Langer’s lines utilised in surgery denote the skin’s anisotropic qualities and is thus also a notation of the movements of the body. Through concrete experiments by cutting and draping fabrics on live models guided by Langer’s lines, this research explores and defines possible congruence between the shear forces of human skin and the anisotropic qualities of woven fabric, suggesting, through a number of garment prototypes, how the utilisation of fabric grain may shift across the body.

兰坪盆地金顶铅锌矿床砂岩型矿石的沉积特征与粒度特征

金顶超大型铅锌矿床主要由角砾岩型和砂岩型两类矿体组成，但容矿岩石的成因及归属等问题尚不明确。利用粒度资料进行沉积物的粒度结构分析，可以有效地判定沉积物搬运方式、判别水动力条件、区分沉积环境类型，研究沉积物的成因机制。本文通过绘制粒度概率累计曲线图、C-M图等图件，详细研究了砂岩型矿石的粒度特征，确定了其沉积水动力类型，结合砂岩型矿体的构造背景、矿石显微构造等特征，探讨了砂岩型矿石的成因，研究表明砂岩型矿石属于细砂-粉砂岩，平均粒径为1.526Φ，正偏态或很正偏态，物质来源为河砂；从萨胡环境判别公式以及C-M图解中，可以看出研究区砂岩以重力流沉积为主；认为它是碎屑物质以重力流方式搬运并在快速水流作用下与底部物质混合、再悬浮、沉积而形成。 Jinding super-large Pb-Zn deposit is mainly composed of breccias-type and sandstone-type ore body, but the genesis and ownership of ore-hosted rocks are still unclear. The utilization of grain- size data to analyze the structure characteristics of the sediment grains can effectively determine the transport mode of sediments, judge the hydrodynamic conditions, distinguish the sedimentary environments, and analyze the genetic mechanism of sediments. Based on the probability cumulative grain-size curves and C - M graph, the authors studied in detail the grain-size characteristics of sandstone-type ore, and defined its sedimentary hydrodynamic type, then combined with the tectonic background of the sandstone-type ore body and ore microscopic structure characteristics, the genesis of sandstone-type ore was discussed. The result shows that the sandstone-type ore belongs to the fine sandstone-siltstone, the average particle size of 1.526Φ, positive skewness or very positive skewness, and material source for river sand. From Sahu environment discriminant and C - M graph, it can be seen that the sandstone in the study area is given priority to gravity flow deposits. The result shows that the sandstone is formed by fragmentary material handling in gravity flow and mixed with the bottom material, resuspension and sedimentary under the action of rapidly water.

MAIZE – A REMUNARATIVE & NUTRITIVE ALTERNATE CROP WITH GREAT DEMAND AS FOOD AND FEED FOR PEOPLE OF SRILANKA

Maize is the most remunerative crop for its demand as food and feed. The area under maize is increasing steadily world over owing to its great utility as animal feed and poultry feed. The maize germs gives edible quality oil and modified maize starch is used for textile, paper, food, pharmaceuticals, adhesives plastics, bio-degradable films, fructose syrup etc. It is also an important cereal fodder which gives an excellent fodder quality when mixed with legume forages. The maize fodder is much preferred compared to pearl millet and sorghum since it does not contain any harmful substances like HCN and Oxalate. Among the several uses, the utilization of grains for preparation of poultry and animal feed, starches to replace glucose, starch glue for particle board, biscuits, confectionaries, beverages and weaning foods assumes importance. In the poultry and animal feed preparations maize grains are used to an extent of 40%. In wafer production, besides wheat, sorghum and soybean flours, a little quantity of pre-gelatinized maize flour is added. In maize, protein content varies from 8-9 %, the amino acid score is 53-78% and total calorific value is 330 cal/100g. In maize, endosperm protein is known as zein. This zein spins into good fibre and it is available in market and is used mostly in blends with wool for making garments such as socks, swim suits and sweaters.Maize fetches more prices in the market and can be cultivated in diverse environmental conditions. Maize can also be used in different forms for human consumption.

Influences of Hot Rolling Conditions on the Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Low-Alloy Steel

The thermomechanical control processing (TMCP) was conducted through the adjustment of the rolling technological parameters to the test steel. The influence of the finishing temperature, cooling rate and alloying elements to the microstructure and mechanical properties was investigated by comprehensive utilization of grain refining strengthening and second phase strengthening.The results show that the microstructure was mainly composed of bainite, ferrite and second phase TiC; at the finishing temperature of 870°C, the yield strength was 596.7 MPa, the tensile strength reached 748.5 MPa, the elongation ratio was 20.17%; at high cooling rate of 16°C/s, the yield strength achieved 616.7 MPa, the tensile strength reached 785.5 MPa, the tensile ratio reduced for 0.78, and the elongation ratio enhanced to 20.92%. And the quantity of bainite increased with the raise of finishing temperature from 800°C to 870°C, which improved the hardness and wear resistance of the steel.

Collaborative Analysis of Wheat Endosperm Compressive Material Properties

ABSTRACTThe objective measurement of cereal endosperm texture, for wheat (Triticum spp. L.) in particular, is relevant to the milling, processing, and utilization of grain. The objective of this study was to evaluate the interlaboratory results of compression failure testing of wheat endosperm specimens of defined geometry. Parallelepipeds (bricks) and cylinders were prepared from individual soft and hard near‐isogenic wheat kernels and compressed in two orientations (parallel and perpendicular to the long brush‐to‐germ axis). Compression curves were used to derive failure stress, failure strain, work density (area under the curve), and Young's modulus. In all five laboratories, the ability to delineate hard from soft wheat endosperm material properties was quite high. Four laboratories compressed endosperm bricks in the same orientation, on edge; texture class (soft vs. hard) was consistently the greatest source of variation in analysis of variance models (F‐values from 417 to 1401, Young's modulus and failure stress, respectively). Failure stress was found to be the best overall means of measuring the difference in what is known in the vernacular as wheat hardness. Across laboratories, the absolute measures of all four material properties ranged on the order of about two‐ to threefold from low to high, although within a laboratory, results were highly consistent. Laboratory by texture class interaction was deemed to be of minor importance. Brick size and moisture content within the ranges tested were not major sources of variation, and cylinders prepared from endosperm produced results similar to those obtained from bricks. The results suggested that wheat endosperm might express some level of anisotropic behavior, as specimens compressed in the kernel orientation parallel to the long axis failed at lower strain and stress values, with lower work density, when compared with kernel orientation perpendicular to the long axis. A key feature of interlaboratory variation was identified as being instrument rigidity, a subject of ongoing research. In conclusion, the preparation of endosperm specimens of defined size and shape, in combination with compression failure testing at low moisture content (<18%), is useful for objectively delineating the phenomenon known as hardness. The study presented here will advance our ability to objectively measure cereal grain texture and the material properties of endosperm.

Nutritional Improvement of Distillers Grains by Solid-State Fermentation

In a global economy where increased demand and competition for grain for food, feed, and energy are driving prices upward, conservation and efficiency are extremely important. This increasing demand presents an unprecedented challenge; however, biotechnology and solid-state fermentation (SSF) can improve the utilization of grain. Dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) from a whisky distillery and fuel ethanol plant were utilized as substrates for SSF in the laboratory using the fungal organisms Rhizopus oligosporus and Aspergillus oryzae. Changes in the dry matter mass, crude protein, neutral detergent fiber, acid detergent fiber, ash, and fat contents were determined before and after fermentation. The results indicate that DDGS are viable substrates for SSF. The notable changes in the nutritional values of DDGS could have implications for the feed industry as producers look for ways to meet the nutritional requirements of animals more efficiently, and the fermented products could also contribute to improved ethanol plant efficiencies.

Associative effects between forages and grains: consequences for feed utilisation

Intake of metabolisable energy (ME) when forages and grains are fed together to ruminants may, due to digestive and metabolic interactions, be lower or higher than expected from feeding these components separately. These interactions, or associative effects, are due primarily to changes in the intake and/or the digestibility of the fibrous components of forage. Effects on voluntary forage intake (substitution effects) are usually much larger than on the digestibility of fibrous components, although the changes in forage intake may be a consequence of changes in the rate of digestion of the fibrous components. Positive associative effects, where grains increase voluntary intake and/or digestion of forage, are usually due to the provision of a limiting nutrient (eg. nitrogen, phosphorus) in the grain which is deficient in the forage. Negative associative effects, where grains decrease voluntary intake and/or digestion of forage, occur frequently and can cause low efficiency of utilisation of grain. Rate of substitution of grain for forage is related to forage intake, forage digestibility, the proportion of grain in the diet, and the maturity of the animal. Substitution rates are usually high in ruminants consuming high intakes of forage of high digestibility, probably due to the metabolic mechanisms which control voluntary intake reducing forage intake. Substitution rates are often low when animals are consuming forage of low to medium digestibility. Since voluntary intake of such forages is most likely determined by the capacity of the rumen to accommodate and pass to the lower gastrointestinal tract undigested forage residues, and of the rate of forage fibre digestion in the rumen, substitution is likely to be determined by changes in these processes. Reduced rate of fibre digestion in the rumen is often due to low rumen pH and/or an insufficiency of essential substrates for rumen microorganisms. Use of grains for lactating dairy cows involves an additional constraint since dietary grain may severely reduce milk fat content. Negative associative effects can be alleviated by ensuring supply of essential microbial substrates, feeding management, and modification of grain to minimise their adverse effects on fibre digestion, while ensuring satisfactory digestion of the grain and efficient microbial protein production.

Effects of processing on the utilization of grain by cattle

Processing can substantially change the nutritive value of barley, oats, wheat and corn fed to cattle. The digestibility of whole barley grain was 16% lower than that of processed grain in trials summarized in this report. Rates of gain were reduced by 5–50% when barley was unprocessed, and feed required for gain was increased by 15% to over 100%. Bloat increased in cattle fed whole barley. Ground barley contains considerable dust which may reduce intake and adversely affect performance and health. Tempering appears to improve the performance of growing-finishing cattle fed barley grain. Exposure of barley grain to steam for either short or long periods of time before rolling was generally not advantageous. In situ degradability of barley starch and dry matter were reduced by steam-rolling barley whereas the rate of degradation with enzymes was increased. The digestibility of diets containing whole oats was only decreased 3% if oats were not rolled; it is unlikely that the cost of processing this grain is justified. Whole wheat might be expected to have a digestibility of 65–75% which contrasts with the 85–90% of processed wheat. Steam flaking of corn is usually not justified economically.

Le marché international des viandes : un régulateur des marchés alimentaires nationaux?

International meat trade : adjusting domestic food markets ? International meat trade has been increasing, for the last fourty years, faster than world production. The increase of world meat production is the result of a larger utilization of grain in animal feeding. Only a few countries are mainly exporters (Oceania) or importers (Far East or South West Asia). The bulk of world meat trade is the result of market adjustments. Meat trade is one of the way of adjusting supply and demand of meat, grains, milk, oilseeds, and of allocation of agricultural land (pasture/crop). What proportion of the grain will be, in the future, traded as meat ?

A comparison of four patterns of allocating maize during lactation to Friesian cows grazing tropical pastures

Milk yields were compared over a 280-day lactation using four patterns of allocation of a fixed amount of grain. Four groups of four Friesian cows grazed a mixed tropical grass (Panicum maximum) and legume (Neonotonia wightii cv. Tinaroo) pasture at 1.1 cows/ha from January to December 1980. The lactation was split into four feeding periods: days 1 - 10,11- 100,10 1 - 190, 191-280. All cows were fed a total of 610 kg hammermilled maize, with 10 kg grain fed during the initial covariate period. The four feeding patterns were: (i) flat rate (FR), where cows received 2.22 kg grain/day; (ii) all early (AE), where cows received 600 kg grain between days 11 and 100; (iii) high early, low late (HELL), where cows were fed 3.5, 2.17 and 1.0 kg/day for periods 11-100,101-190and 191- 280 days of lactation; and (iv) low early, high late (LEHL), where cows were fed in the reverse pattern to HELL. Milk yields per cow over 280 days were 4145, 3942, 3794 and 3630 kg [l.s.d. (P=0.05)= 436 kg] for HELL, FR, LEHL and AE respectively. There was very poor utilization of grain by cows fed AE. The relation between milk yield and grain intake in days 1 1-100 of lactation was described by the equation: Y= 13.9+ 1.77X-0.18X2 (P<0.01, s.e.b1= 0.48, s.e.b2 = 0.06), where Y = milk yield (kg/cow.day) and X = grain intake (kg/cow.day). Apportioning more grain to late lactation, when pasture on offer was low, did not compensate for the loss of milk production in early lactation by cows fed LEHL. Cows fed LEHL lost more liveweight in early lactation than all other treatments, but regained this weight in late lactation. Cows in all treatments had similar liveweights (mean 518 kg) at 280 days. Milk butterfat and solids-not-fat yields over 280 days were not significantly different (P>0.05) for any of the four treatments.

Commodity Programs: Discussion

Some years ago, R. G. D. Allen was invited to the United States as a discussant of several papers on the subject of index numbers. Somewhat to the chagrin of his sponsors who had underwritten his transatlantic airline fare, his sole comment was to the effect that he had read the papers, was favorably impressed, and that the authors should continue their good work. I might best serve the purpose of this session by similar brevity! The two prepared papers deal with two important facets of contemporary agricultural policy issues: (a) instability and its sources, (b) the distribution of benefits flowing from commodity programs. Each confirms some generally held impressions; e.g., export variability was the dominant source of instability in total utilization of grains and oilseeds in recent years; the distribution of benefits of agricultural subsidies are unevenly distributed and tend to favor the relatively larger producer. Each contains some surprises, at least to my intuition; e.g., only recently has the need to undo certain consequences of abundance been used as an argument for intervention in commodity markets. Although the variability in aggregate net farm income has been sharply higher in the 1970s than in the 1960s, variability has not been appreciably higher in the latter half of the 1970s than in the two decades after World War II.

Production of the mycotoxin, zearalenone, by Fusarium graminearum growing on stored grain. I. Grain storage at reduced temperatures.

AbstractThe limiting conditions of grain moisture content (m.c.) and storage temperature for growth of Fusarium and production of the mycotoxin, zearalenone, were defined in maize, wheat, barley and oat culture. Grain moisture content was the major influence on establishment of the fungus, but storage temperature directly affected the rate of zearalenone synthesis. All the grains tested were susceptible to invasion by Fusarium above 18% m.c. (calculated on a wet‐weight basis), even when stored at 7 ºC. In the range 15 to 18% m.c. the grain was increasingly at risk as the storage temperature was raised. Maximum zearalenone yields (500 to 2000 μg/g grain) were obtained in cultures stored at 12 and 18 ºC, even though mycelial growth had been reduced. At 25 ºC, where there was rapid mycelial growth and almost total utilisation of grain after two months' storage, toxin yields were seldom higher than 100 μg/g grain.

Posterior tooth size, body size, and diet in South African gracile Australopithecines.

AbstractA model relating relative size of the posterior teeth to diet is suggested for forest and savanna primates and Homo. Relative tooth size is calculated for the South African gracile australopithecine sample using posterior maxillary area sums and size estimates based on four limb bones. A number of limbs were shown to be non‐hominid. Comparisons show the South African gracile sample apparently adapted to a very heavily masticated diet with relative tooth size significantly greater than any living hominoid. Periodic intensive utilization of grains and roots combined with scavenged animal protein are suggested as the most likely dietary reconstruction.