Short communication: Performance of lactating dairy cows fed pearl millet grain

Fifteen multiparous Holstein cows were used in a 3 × 3 Latin square experiment to determine the effects of feeding pearl millet grain on feed intake, milk yield, and milk composition of lactating dairy cows. Three isonitrogenous diets with a 57:43 forage:concentrate ratio were formulated. Diets contained 30% corn, 30% pearl millet, or 31% corn and pearl millet mixed 1:1 (wt/wt). Three lactating Holstein cows fitted with ruminal cannulas were used to determine the effects of dietary treatments on ruminal fermentation parameters. Dry matter intake and energy-corrected milk were similar for all dietary treatments and averaged 23.8 and 33.5 kg/d, respectively. Dry matter intake (% of BW) was unaffected by dietary treatments and averaged 3.40%. Milk fat, protein, lactose, and total solids concentrations were not influenced by grain type. Ruminal NH₃-N concentration was unaffected by dietary treatments. However, ruminal pH tended to be lower for cows fed pearl millet than those fed corn and pearl millet mix. It was concluded that pearl millet grain can replace corn in dairy cow diets up to 30% of the diet DM with no adverse effects on milk yield or milk composition.     

Influence of storage on the protein quality of pearl millet flour

Whole grain flours of two cultivars of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides Rich) were stored in cans for 8 days at the prevailing room temperature (25±5°C), until the flours developed an off-flavour and bad taste. The flour samples were then evaluated for protein quality. The values of protein efficiency ratio, true digestibility, biological value, net protein retention and protein utilisation fell markedly during storage. The protein quality of the cultivar with the higher amount of oil was affected more severely.     

黄米盐溶性蛋白提取工艺研究

以脱脂黄米为原料,提取黄米盐溶性蛋白,分析了提取时间、料液比、NaCl溶液浓度对盐溶蛋白得率的影响,并以提取时间、料液比、NaCl溶液浓度为考察因素,通过L9(33)正交实验确定了盐溶蛋白的最佳提取工艺条件为NaCl溶液浓度为2%,料液比为1∶9,提取时间为30min,盐溶蛋白的得率达到3.96%.     

Effect of natural fermentation on phytate and polyphenolic content and in-vitro digestibility of starch and protein of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum)

Natural fermentation at 20, 25 and 30°C for 72 h brought about a significant reduction in phytic acid content of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoideum Rich) flour. The phytate content was almost eliminted in the flour fermented at 30°C. An increase in polyphenol content of fermented flour was noticed, the higher the temperature of fermentation the greater was the increase in polyphenol content of pearl millet. An improvement in starch as well as protein digestibility (in vitro) was noticed at all the temperatures of natural fermentation, the highest being at 30°C.     

Inclusion of brown midrib dwarf pearl millet silage in the diet of lactating dairy cows

Brown midrib brachytic dwarf pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) forage harvested at the flag leaf visible stage and subsequently ensiled was investigated as a partial replacement of corn silage in the diet of high-producing dairy cows. Seventeen lactating Holstein cows were fed 2 diets in a crossover design experiment with 2 periods of 28 d each. Both diets had forage:concentrate ratios of 60:40. The control diet (CSD) was based on corn silage and alfalfa haylage, and in the treatment diet, 20% of the corn silage dry matter (corresponding to 10% of the dietary dry matter) was replaced with pearl millet silage (PMD). The effects of partial substitution of corn silage with pearl millet silage on dry matter intake, milk yield, milk components, fatty acid profile, apparent total-tract digestibility of nutrients, N utilization, and enteric methane emissions were analyzed. The pearl millet silage was higher in crude protein and neutral detergent fiber and lower in lignin and starch than the corn silage. Diet did not affect dry matter intake or energy-corrected milk yield, which averaged 46.7 ± 1.92 kg/d. The PMD treatment tended to increase milk fat concentration, had no effect on milk fat yield, and increased milk urea N. Concentrations and yields of milk protein and lactose were not affected by diet. Apparent total-tract digestibility of dry matter decreased from 66.5% in CSD to 64.5% in PMD. Similarly, organic matter and crude protein digestibility was decreased by PMD, whereas neutral- and acid-detergent fiber digestibility was increased. Total milk trans fatty acid concentration was decreased by PMD, with a particular decrease in trans-10 18:1. Urinary urea and fecal N excretion increased with PMD compared with CSD. Milk N efficiency decreased with PMD. Carbon dioxide emission was not different between the diets, but PMD increased enteric methane emission from 396 to 454 g/d and increased methane yield and intensity. Substituting corn silage with brown midrib dwarf pearl millet silage at 10% of the diet dry matter supported high milk production in dairy cows. When planning on farm forage production strategies, brown midrib dwarf pearl millet should be considered as a viable fiber source.     

大豆分离蛋白对小米粉性质的影响

以普通小米和糯小米为原料,探讨大豆分离蛋白含量对米粉性质的影响。结果表明:大豆分离蛋白含量与糯小米粉黏滞曲线成正相关,而与普通小米粉黏滞曲线呈负相关。含大豆分离蛋白9%的糯小米粉衰减值为746 cP,含大豆分离蛋白3%的普通小米粉衰减值为487.5 cP;二者的糊化温度约为75℃;糯小米粉的峰值黏度比普通小米粉出现的早,但谷值黏度、回生值均低于普通小米粉;糯小米粉和普通小米粉在85℃时的可溶指数最大;大豆分离蛋白添加量与2种小米粉的凝沉性无明显关系,普通小米粉的凝沉性是糯小米粉的2倍。     

Effects of cultivar and soil fertility on grain protein yield,grain protein content,flour yield and breadmaking quality of wheat

Grain protein content affects the flour yield and breadmaking characteristics of wheat (Triticum aestivum L). In this study, grain protein yield, grain protein content, flour yield and loaf volume were quantified for four wheat cultivars (Inia, Carina, Kariega and SST 86) grown under six different soil fertility regimes in a long-term fertilisation and irrigation experiment at the University of Pretoria. The experimental design was a randomised complete block replicated four times, with fertility as the main plots and cultivars as the subplot treatments. Grain protein yield, flour yield, loaf volume and mixograph dough peak mixing time varied among cultivars and soil fertility situations. Grain protein content differed among cultivars, but mixograph water absorption and dough characteristics did not differ. The highest grain protein yield was 873 kg ha⁻¹ for Carina and the lowest 527 kg ha⁻¹ for SST 86. Grain protein content averaged 131 g kg⁻¹ for Carina and 122 g kg⁻¹ for Kariega. Breadmaking performance showed that in a well-balanced soil fertility situation, Kariega produced 1025 cm³ of loaf volume while Inia averaged 950 cm³. Grain protein yield increased with increasing soil fertility, but grain protein content, flour yield, loaf volume, water absorption and mixograph peak mixing time varied with soil fertility. The interaction between cultivar and soil fertility was significant for grain protein yield, grain protein content, flour yield, loaf volume and water absorption but not dough peak mixing time. The results indicate cultivar differences in breadmaking quality characteristics and that soil fertility status affects grain protein yield, grain protein content, flour yield, loaf volume potential and water absorption but not mixograph peak mixing time and dough characteristics. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Water sorption isotherms and thermodynamic properties of pearl millet grain

The water sorption isotherms of pearl millet grain and the thermodynamic properties obtaining during the process of drying pearl millet were examined. Equilibrium moisture content (X_eq) was determined under several temperature (T) and relative humidity (RH) conditions. The X_eq data were correlated by six mathematical models. The modified Henderson was the model that best fitted the experimental data. The X_eq decreased with an increase in T at constant RH. Hysteresis was also studied; increasing T led to a decrease in this phenomenon. Integral isosteric heat of sorption (Q_st), differential entropy (ΔS) and the enthalpy–entropy compensation theory were studied. Q_st values decreased when X_eq increased because the Q_st values of adsorption were lower than Q_st desorption values. The values of ΔS decreased with increases in X_eq, because ΔS values were higher for desorption than for adsorption. The enthalpy–entropy compensation theory is valid for describing the water sorption processes of pearl millet grain.     

Nutritional evaluation of high protein genotypes of pearl millet (Pennisetum americanum (L.) leeke)

Three high protein (HP) inbred lines (700112, WC-190 and B-816) of pearl millet were studied for their nutritional quality and the results compared with those of normal protein varieties. The protein content of HP lines showed an average increase of 60% but the starch and soluble sugars together and the fat content decreased by 40 and 20%, respectively. Total dietary fibre of the HP lines was about 10% higher. A decrease (about 20%) in the albumin fraction was associated with an increase in prolamin in HP lines. The amino acid composition of the HP lines remained normal except for an approximately 16% decrease in lysine. However, the total amount of lysine in the sample increased by an average of 37%, as a result of a substantial increase in protein content. True protein digestibility was very high for each line but, expectedly, the biological value was markedly lower. The values for utilisable protein were highest for high protein genotypes. Digestible energy was high in all the genotypes, although slightly lower values were obtained for the HP lines; this was attributed to the fibre fractions.     

Effects of radiation process on total protein and amino acids composition of raw and processed pearl millet flour during storage

The present work describes radiation‐induced effects during storage on total protein and amino acids composition of raw and processed flour of two pearl millet cultivars (Ashana and Dembi). The protein content of the whole raw flour was 14.46% and 13.38% for Ashana and Dembi cultivars, respectively. Dehulling of the grains reduced the protein content to 13.38% and 12.67% for the cultivars, respectively. Storage of the radiated whole and dehulled flour for 60 days slightly reduced the protein content even after cooking. The effect of radiation process in combination with the treatments applied to the grains and/or flour on amino acids contents was found to be varying between the cultivars. Most of the amino acids were stable against all treatments except leucine, glutamic acid and phenylalanine. Regardless of the storage period and processing method, amino acid contents of Ashana cultivar were increased after radiation process compared to that of Dembi cultivar.     

The relation between yield and protein in cereal grain

An analysis of published data on genetic relations between dry grain yields (y, t ha^?1) and protein content [p, protein as a fraction (g g^?1) of dry grain] of cereals is presented. In all, 106 usable regressions of y on p across geneotypes were assembled. The long-recognised negative relation between yield and protein concentration was fully substantiated. There is a strong positive relation between grain yield and protein yield. The linear regression coefficient of yield on protein concentration is related to yield, with slope about ?15. This relation holds approximately over all cereals. The data can be used to estimate a characteristic parameter described by C = dy/d(yp) = ～ 15–25 at the mean of each experiment. The relationship is surprisingly consistent but no simple physiological interpretation is available. In discussion, the high C, the impact of strong negative regressions of y on p for breeding strategies, the fact that protein yield increases with gross grain yield but at falling p and certain socio-economic consequences are emphasized. An acute need for orderly reporting of experimental data is also emphasised; the existing literature is chaotic as to units, moisture contents and conversion factors.     

Supplementation of pearl millet flour with soybean protein: effect of cooking on in vitro protein digestibility and essential amino acids composition

In vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and amino acids profile of pearl millet (Dempy cultivar) supplemented with soybean protein (5–15%) were investigated. Supplementation of dempy flour with soybean protein steadily decreased IVPD with increasing the portion of soybean in the blend. The in vitro protein digestibilities of the cooked supplemented dempy flours were higher when compared with the raw ones, whereas the highest value was that of the 5% soybean protein. All essential amino acids of dempy flour were enriched on supplementation with soybean protein. The levels of amino acids increased with increasing the amount of soybean protein in the blend. Essential amino acids in dempy supplemented with 15% soybean are comparable to those in the FAO reference pattern. Supplementation increased significantly lysine to 1.5–2.4 folds. Essential amino acids content remained higher in the cooked composite flours when compared with the cooked native dempy flour.     

Co‐extrusion of pearl millet‐whey protein concentrate for expanded snacks

A study was conducted to develop pearl millet‐based extruded snacks with whey protein concentrate (WPC) to enhance its acceptability and nutritional value. Pearl millet grits (841 μ) was extruded with different levels (0%, 2.5%, 5.0% and 7.5%) of WPC at constant feed rate (10.5 kg h^?1) and moisture content (14%). Addition of whey protein at 7.5% level significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased T_g from 75.1 ± 0.26 °C to 120.5 ± 1.28 °C and T_m from 89.1 ± 1.51 °C to 158.7 ± 1.37 °C, which resulted in less expanded and harder extrudates. The expansion index of extrudates was negatively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with protein (r = ?0.940), bulk density (r = ?0.949), hardness (r = ?0.971) and breaking strength (r = ?0.921), while positively correlated (P ≤ 0.05) with overall acceptability (OAA; r = 0.988). Keeping in view the nutritional, textural and consumer's acceptability, incorporation of 5% WPC in pearl millet grits (841 μ) was recommended for preparation of acceptable expanded snacks.     

Effect of fermentation on biochemical and sensory characteristics of millet flour supplemented with whey protein

Pearl millet like other cereals shows qualitative and quantitative deficiency in protein. The main objective of this study was to obtain the food of high nutritive value with high protein content and biological value by supplementing pearl millet, with whey protein. Two levels of whey protein were considered (20% and 25% protein content). Supplemented samples and control were fermented in the presence of starter for 14 h according to the traditional method utilised in Sudan. The pH, crude protein, in vitro protein digestibility (IVPD) and protein fractions of the fermented and supplemented pearl millet were determined at 2‐ h intervals. Supplementation of whey protein resulted in significant increase in protein content compared to the control, i.e. 14.8%, 23.9% and 28.7% for Ashana control (AC), Ashana plus whey protein (20% protein content) (AW₁) and Ashana plus whey protein (25% protein content) (AW₂), respectively. Fermentation was found to cause a highly significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvement in IVPD for AC, AW₁ and AW_2. The major protein fraction in the whey protein supplemented doughs was the globulin. This would indicate an improvement in the nutritional quality of pearl millet. Sensory evaluation revealed higher acceptability for whey protein supplemented formulas compared to control.     

Losses of nutrients and anti-nutritional factors during abrasive decortication of two pearl millet cultivars (Pennisetum glaucum)

Losses of nutrients such as starch, lipids, proteins, iron and zinc as well as phytase activity and of recognised anti-nutritional compounds (some insoluble fibres, iron-binding phenolic compounds and phytates) were determined following abrasive decortication of grains from two pearl millet cultivars (Gampela and IKMP-5) with different composition cultivated in Burkina Faso. In both cultivars, abrasion of the starchy endosperm started when about 12% of the dry matter had been removed from grains but lipid and protein losses followed the loss of dry matter. Zinc loss (%) was lower than that of iron; however, both were higher than dry matter losses. By contrast, phytate loss was lower than dry matter loss. Interestingly, decortication led to significant losses in fibres and iron-binding phenolic compounds with different level depending on the cultivar. Changes in phytase activity also differed in the two cultivars (42% and 11% losses of phytase activity in grains from Gampela and IKMP-5 cultivars, respectively, at 12% of abrasion). Hence, decortication of pearl millet grains does not decrease lipid and protein contents but does considerably decrease some anti-nutritional factors (part of the fibres and iron-binding phenolic compounds). However, as mineral contents and particularly iron content decreased while phytate content remains high, decortication may be insufficient to increase Fe and Zn bioavailability.     

Changes in the nutritional value of pearl millet flour during storage

The whole grain flour of three varieties of pearl millet (Pennisetum typhoides Rich) became rancid on days 6, 7, 8 and 10, and inedible on days 11, 12, 13 and 14 of storage in gunny sacks, earthen pots, tin cans and polythene bags, respectively. The moisture, sugar, free fatty acids, fat acidity and peroxide levels increased, and those of α-tocopherol and β-carotene decreased during storage. The concentrations of protein, ash, crude fibre and phospholipids were not affected. Flour stored in polythene bags was least affected and that stored in gunny sacks was most affected by storage conditions.     

Effect of nanometer pearl powder on calcium absorption and utilization in rats

The calcium absorption and utilization in rats fed nanometer pearl powders diets was evaluated. The bone and serum calcium content, femur weight and length of rats fed the pearl powders diets was higher (P < 0.05) than those of rats fed the basic laboratory chow diet with low content of calcium. These parameters were significantly lower in rats fed nanometer pearl powders diets compared with those in rats fed micrometer pearl powders diets (P < 0.05). The results indicate that nanometer pearl powders diets may significantly increase calcium bioavailability and have important nutritional benefits based on the evaluation in the rats growth and development model.