Biochemical characterization of legume seeds as ingredients in animal feed

Abstract

competition of feedstock proteins produced mainly in North and South America; the increased use of chemical fertilizers in crop production; the availability of cheap sources of animal protein (fish and meat-beef, pork and poultry), and the simplification of agricultural systems. In fact, during the last decades the cultivation of grain legumes in Europe, as well as their use, fell sharply: in 2010 the total production of pulses in Europe was 39% of that obtained in 1990 (FAO Stat: http://faostat3.fao.org/home/index.html). As a consequence, Europe presently needs to import most of the RESEARCH ARTICLE OPEN ACCESS AbstractThe current European protein deficit is estimated as high as 70% of present needs. Because of the high protein content of their seeds, grain legumes are attractive candidates for lowering the deficiency in plant protein production. The objective of this work was to identify new sources of vegetable protein that would reduce our high dependence of soy, the main source of protein in the manufacture of feedstuffs. To achieve this goal, we determined the proximate composition, the bioactive components, as well as the antinutritional factors present in the studied seeds. In general, the protein, fat and carbohydrates content of legume seeds studied were within the limits found in the literature. The bioactive compounds detected in all the seeds were α-galactosides, myoinositol phosphates, protease inhibitors and phenols. IP 6 (phytic acid) was the main inositol phosphate form in all the samples. The highest protease inhibitors content was detected in both Lathyrus cicera cultivars. Vicia ervilia and L. cicera cultivars showed low haemagglutinating activity (20.4 HU/g). The γ-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine content in Vicia narbonensis was around 16.0 mg/g. Both L. cicera varieties presented similar β-Noxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid content (0.80 mg/g). The two V. ervilia varieties showed high canavanine concentration (1.93-5.28 mg/g). Vicine was only detected in V. narbonensis cultivars (0.3 mg/g). The biochemical characterization carried out in this study allows us to know the limits of inclusion of these minor crop seeds in feed formulations in order to replace the soybean.Additional key words: legumes; bioactive compounds; feedstuffs; Cicer; Vicia; Lathyrus Abbreviations used: ANF (anti-nutritional factors); CIU (chymotrypsin inhibitor unit); GEC (γ-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine); HU (haemagglutinating unit); IP (inositol phosphates); ORAC (oxygen-radical absorbance capacity); PCAF (sodium amminepentacyanoferrate (II) hydrat); SBM (soybean meal); SCFA (short-chain fatty acids); TIA (trypsin inhibitor activity); TIU (trypsin inhibitor unit); β-ODAP (β-N-oxalyl-L-α, β-diaminopropionic acid)Citation: Martín-Pedrosa, M.; Varela, A.; Guillamon, E.; Cabellos, B.; Burbano, C.; Gomez-Fernandez, J.; de Mercado, E.; Gomez-Izquierdo, E.; Cuadrado, C.; Muzquiz, M. (2016). Biochemical characterization of legume seeds as ingredients in animal feed.

Diversity of the composition and content of soluble carbohydrates in seeds of the genus Vicia (Leguminosae)

“…In seeds of other economically important Vicia species-V. sativa (common vetch) and V. ervilia (bitter vetch), the content of RFOs was two-fold and ca 10-fold lower (respectively) than in V. narbonensis (Table 1). The high level of RFOs in V. narbonensis, found in our study (Tables 1, 2), is consistent with results obtained by Rolletschek et al (2002) and Martín-Pedrosa et al (2016). In a wild type of V. narbonensis, the level of RFOs was 70.2 mg g -1 dry mass, whereas in lines with a disrupted starch biosynthesis pathway, the level of RFOs increased up to 94 mg g -1 dry mass (Rolletschek et al 2002).…”

“…Similarly low levels of RFOs were estimated recently by Martín-Pedrosa et al (2016) in seeds of two bitter vetch cultivars. Such a low level of RFOs is unique among legumes (Kadlec et al 2001).…”

“…Thus, the role of V. ervilia as a presumed ancestor of other Vicia species, accumulating D-pinitol and galactosyl pinitols beside RFOs, awaits clarification. The presence of galactopinitol and ciceritol in seeds of cultivated bitter vetch, reported by Martín-Pedrosa et al (2016), is not possible without the presence of D-pinitol, and can be a result of incorrect identification of some peaks in GC-chromatograms (Fig. 1d), due to the lack of appropriate standards.…”

Baking Optimization as a Strategy to Extend Shelf-Life through the Enhanced Quality and Bioactive Properties of Pulse-Based Snacks

“…Due to its nutritive value, besides the fact that this crop is not usually used for human consumption, Narbon beans have been traditionally used for animal feeding as an interesting alternative to reduce the high dependence of soybean [8]. Del Pino-García et al [9] reported results on the bioactive properties of Vicia narbonensis and demonstrated the need to select certain varieties to reduce the presence of the antinutrient g-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine (GEC), a sulfur-containing dipeptide [10][11][12]. Active breeding and research programs have been developed in recent years to reduce the GEC content in Narbon beans and provide information for establishing the limits of inclusion of this grain legume in feed formulations, which are set at 10-12.5%, although a GEC acceptance threshold for different species has not yet been defined [11,13].…”

“…Del Pino-García et al [9] reported results on the bioactive properties of Vicia narbonensis and demonstrated the need to select certain varieties to reduce the presence of the antinutrient g-glutamyl-S-ethenyl-cysteine (GEC), a sulfur-containing dipeptide [10][11][12]. Active breeding and research programs have been developed in recent years to reduce the GEC content in Narbon beans and provide information for establishing the limits of inclusion of this grain legume in feed formulations, which are set at 10-12.5%, although a GEC acceptance threshold for different species has not yet been defined [11,13]. In the context of human nutrition and within a varied and well-balanced diet, Narbon bean could be an excellent source of vegetable nutrients and bioactive components, although advances in the selection of the most suitable cultivars for this aim are required.…”