The influence of seed size on digestibility and growth performance of broiler chickens fed full-fat rapeseed

Two double low rapeseed varieties were separated into small and big seeds to study their nutritive value for broiler chickens. The seed weights for small and big seeds of spring rape variety Jaguar were 3.6 and 4.9 mg, and of winter rape Impala were 4.1 and 5.3 mg, respectively. Analytical results showed no significant differences in protein and fatty acid content between the big and small seeds. The small seeds contained more fibre constituents, eg lignin 13.7% higher for Jaguar and 3.4% higher for Impala, the other dietary fibre components show ed a similar trend. The big seeds, however, tended to be higher in fat and gross energy, but also in total glucosinolates. A 2 × 2 × 3 factorial design was performed on 24 broilers, to investigate the apparent digestibility and growth performance during three successive periods of balance trials, using diets consisting of 350 g kg^?1 full-fat rapeseeds and 650 g kg^?1 remainder feed mixture identical for all treatments. The diets with big seeds clearly showed higher digestibility for all measured dietary components. The surpluses as absolute percentage units respectively for dry matter were 2.8 (P < 0.001); gross energy 3.8 (P < 0.001); fat 7.9 (P < 0.001) and protein 1.6 (P = 0.045). The same trend was also found in the digestion of fatty acids and vitamin E. The big seeds displayed 7% higher (P = 0.071) growth rate and 8% higher (P = 0.002) feed conversion, respectively. Greater nutritional superiority of the big seeds was observed on the earlier growth ages, indicating the young birds are more sensitive to the seed size difference. It is concluded that the big seeds are more digestible than the small seeds and that a selection towards Digger seed size or a mechanical separation during processing will be beneficial.     

A Comparative Analysis of Colour Measurements of the Seed Coat and Endosperm of Wheat Kernels Performed by Various Techniques

The results of this present studies show that the colour of the seed coat of wheat kernels can be determined by digital image analysis (DIA) instead of spectrophotometry. High linear correlations (p < 0.05) were found between colour measurements of the seed coat performed by these techniques. The colour on the cross-sections of wheat kernels was related to the colour of their seed coat. A high correlation was also observed between the colour of the seed coat and the colour of the endosperm of wheat kernels. In all measurements colour was described by the RGB, XYZ, and L*a*b* models. Colour indices, i.e. hue (h⁰) and saturation (S*) were also calculated.     

Variation among physical,chemical and technological properties in three Sicilian cultivars of Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Three Sicilian chickpea cultivars (‘Calia’, ‘Etna’ and ‘Principe’) were evaluated for physical, chemical and technological properties. Whereas no substantial differences were ascertained on seeds chemical composition, the cultivars greatly differed in terms of seed size, specific surface area (SSA) and seed coat incidence. These last two properties affected the technological properties of the seeds. In particular, a high SSA (‘Calia’) contributed to a faster softening, whilst a great coat thickness (‘Etna’) delayed both hydration and softening rate. The time required to obtain an acceptable firmness (cooking time) was greatly reduced by presoaking the seeds in salt solution (0.5% NaCl or NHCO₃). ‘Calia’ required the lowest cooking time when soaked in distilled water or in 0.5% NaCl. Presoaking seed in NaHCO₃ allowed halving the cooking time in all cultivars.     

Quality characteristics of biscuits prepared from finger millet seed coat based composite flour

Finger millet seed coat is an edible material and contains good proportion of dietary fibre, minerals and phytochemicals. The seed coat matter (SCM) forms a by-product of millet milling, malting and decortication industries and can be utilised as composite flour in biscuit preparation. The SCM from native, malted and hydrothermally treated millet contained 9.5–12% protein, 2.6–3.7% fat and 40–48% dietary fibre, besides 3–5% polyphenols and 700–860 mg/100 g of calcium. The biscuits prepared using the composite flour were of crisp texture and exhibited breaking strength of 1480–1690 g compared to control biscuits (1560 g). The biscuits were of mild grey colour (ΔE = 40–50) and exhibited higher protein, dietary fibre and calcium contents. The sensory evaluation of the biscuits indicated that 10% of SCM from native and hydrothermally processed millet and 20% from malted millet could be used in composite biscuit flour.     

Colour of rapeseed (Brassica napus) surface and contamination by fungi during storage of dry and wet seeds

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of seed size and cultivation location on the diversity of colour of rapeseed surface and the level of fungi infection of sound, dry rapeseed and the correlation between colour attributes and fungal growth during storage of wet seeds. It has been reported that the colour, mouldiness degree and genera differentiation on the surface of sound seeds depend on both the seed size and the seed cultivation location. The storage of wet rapeseed led to a colour shift to a green‐yellowish hue with higher lightness and to about a 1000‐fold increase in colony‐forming units (CFUs) per seed mass. During the first 15 days, fungal growth was undetectable both by human eye inspection and by digital image analysis (DIA). The onset of fungal growth was associated with slight increase in G (of RGB) and a* and b* (of CIE L*a*b*) colour attributes.     

Histochemical characterisation of unextractable seed coat pigments and quantification of extractable lignin in the Brassicaceae

The differences determined by in situ histochemical staining and thioglycolic lignin analyses provided a new view of seed coat composition in a range of yellow‐ and brown‐seeded germplasm of the Brassicaceae. Unextractable seed coat pigments were composed of proanthocyanidin (condensed tannin) polymers. Anthocyanins were absent in all seed coat tissues. Proanthocyanidin was deposited over the entire seed coat in dark‐seeded germplasm and in patches in some yellow‐seeded germplasm. The seed coat and hilum of Crambe abyssinica cv Prophet and some yellow‐seeded accessions contained an unidentified, unreactive brown pigment. Several new pigmentation patterns, occurring as spots and patches and surrounding the hilum, became apparent from this analysis. Thioglycolic lignin was significantly lower in yellow‐seeded samples compared with the dark‐seeded accessions, and the majority of the lignin occurred in the seed coat. These discoveries provide new and useful data for plant breeders and indicate the need to use more detailed analytical methods in breeding programmes that have the goal of improving seed meal quality by reducing fibre and phenolics. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Chemical basis for the low sensory perception of the Ganxet bean (Phaseolus vulgaris) seed coat

The Ganxet bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L), highly appreciated in Catalan gastronomy, has a higher proportion of seed coat than other beans (eg White Kidney or Faba Asturiana); however, general diners and sensory tests point out a lower perception of this seed coat. The differences in chemical composition between Ganxet, White Kidney and Faba Asturiana beans, before and after cooking, were established and related to perceived sensory differences in seed coat content. Ganxet's higher absolute and percentage losses of total dietary fibre (19.5%), soluble dietary fibre (32.5%), cellulose (25.6%) and pectins (38.1%) break down the consistency of the seed coat during cooking, which would explain its low sensory perception. The high loss of cellulose during cooking could be due to its partial combination with proteins, which would aid its breakdown. © 2002 Society of Chemical Industry     

Relationships between seed and berry development of Vitis Vinifera L. cv Shiraz: Developmental changes in seed morphology and phenolic composition

Berries were collected regularly from fruit set to berry maturity from irrigated (Shiraz) grapevines in a Barossa valley vineyard. Seeds were removed for detailed study of physical attributes (weight, moisture, colour) and phenolic composition (seed tannins). Three phases of seed growth and development were discerned: (1) a phase of seed growth characterised by a steady increase in both fresh weight and dry weight, biosynthesis and accumulation of flavan‐3‐ols and tannins, and green appearance; (2) a transition phase where seed fresh weight and dry weight reached a maximum, but with continuing enlargement of the basal end. Accumulation of flavan‐3‐ols and seed tannins also reached a maximum during phase 2, and was accompanied by an onset of tannin oxidation, and yellow appearance; and finally, (3) a phase of seed drying and maturation defined by a decrease in fresh weight due to water export, a sustained oxidation of tannins, and overall brown appearance. These phases in seed development correspond to particular stages in berry development. Seeds reached maximum fresh seed weight and full size at the beginning of berry colouring (veraison), while maximum dry seed weight coincided with maximum berry weight. Changes in seed phenolics were linked to berry development and maturation. Changes in seed coat colour were also related to developmental changes in berry anthocyanins and total skin phenolics, indicating that the external appearance and colour of the seed coat may be used as an additional indicator of overall berry ripeness. A graduated colour chart was developed to provide an objective index of seed coat colour and thus developmental status of seeds and berry.     

Optimization of Hull‐Less Pumpkin Seed Roasting Conditions Using Response Surface Methodology

Abstract: Response surface methodology (RSM) was applied to optimize hull‐less pumpkin seed roasting conditions before seed pressing to maximize the biochemical composition and antioxidant capacity of the virgin pumpkin oils obtained using a hydraulic press. Hull‐less pumpkin seeds were roasted for various lengths of time (30 to 70 min) at various roasting temperatures (90 to 130 °C), resulting in 9 different oil samples, while the responses were phospholipids content, total phenols content, α‐ and γ‐tocopherols, and antioxidative activity [by 2,2‐diphenyl‐1‐picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free‐radical assay]. Mathematical models have shown that roasting conditions influenced all dependent variables at P < 0.05. The higher roasting temperatures had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on phospholipids, phenols, and α‐tocopherols contents, while longer roasting time had a significant effect (P < 0.05) on γ‐tocopherol content and antioxidant capacity, among the samples prepared under different roasting conditions. The optimum conditions for roasting the hull‐less pumpkin seeds were 120 °C for duration of 49 min, which resulted in these oil concentrations: phospholipids 0.29%, total phenols 23.06 mg/kg, α‐tocopherol 5.74 mg/100 g, γ‐tocopherol 24.41 mg/100 g, and an antioxidative activity (EC₅₀) of 27.18 mg oil/mg DPPH. Practical Application: A well‐defined roasting process is very important for the food industry to be able to produce pumpkin seed oil with desirable nutritive and chemical characteristics of this unique salad oil, which changes during the roasting. This study contributes to the knowledge of a product design process for the roasting conditions of naked pumpkin seeds based on results that have demonstrated that an increase in roasting temperature significantly increased the biochemical values and antioxidant properties of the obtained virgin oils.     

Seed coat tannins and bruchid resistance in stored cowpea seeds

Seeds of wild species and varieties of Vigna were screened for their tannins and α‐amylase inhibitor contents as defensive compounds against cowpea weevil. Seed coats contained condensed tannins that were positively correlated to their colour but not to their resistance against the insect. The α‐amylase inhibitors were present in different amount in cotyledons of all species analysed. Amongst the cultivated lines assayed, Vigna unguiculata TVu 2027, an accession identified as moderately resistant, was found to contain the higher amount of α‐amylase inhibitor. When wild species were considered, V luteola and V vexillata (two resistant species) showed the highest content of α‐amylase inhibitors. In addition, two cultivated accessions (Vita 7 and IT 84E‐1‐108) of cowpea seeds, both classified as susceptible accessions, showing a different degree of bruchid damage in storage, were also analysed. No α‐amylase inhibitory activity was found in cotyledons of undamaged Vita 7 seeds, while the seed coat tannin content was found to be 13 times higher in undamaged Vita 7 seeds than in IT 84E‐1‐108 infested seeds. These latter results support the hypothesis that seed coat tannins must also be considered in biochemical defence mechanisms, which can deter, poison or starve bruchid larvae that feed on cowpea seeds. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

In vitro digestion of whole chia seeds (Salvia hispanica L.): Nutrient bioaccessibility,structural and functional changes

Dietary chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has significant health-related benefits due to its high nutrient contents. However, few studies reported the fate of whole seeds in the gastrointestinal tract. Herein, we explored the digestive characteristics in terms of hydrolysis of nutrients, structural and functional properties with a static in vitro digestion method. After gastrointestinal digestion, the digestibility of lipid and protein was 0.46% and 11.38%, respectively. The release rates of tryptophan, tyrosine and lysine were greater than 20%, whereas the glutamic acid and aspartic acid were less than 5%. The microscopic results (optical microscopy (OM), laser scanning confocal microscopy (LSCM) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM)) demonstrated that the seeds remained intact, and the mucilage adhered tightly to the seed coat during digestion. The water holding capacity and oil holding capacity of seeds accounted for 6.37 and 3.28 g/g after intestinal digestion, which were significantly lower than gastric digestion endpoints (P < 0.05). And there were no significant differences in Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy of G-Mucilage and I-Mucilage. In general, preprocessing before being consumed is necessary for chia seeds to take full advantage of rich polyunsaturated fatty acids and proteins.     

Physical properties,chemical characterization and fatty acid composition of Mexican chia (Salvia hispanica L.) seeds

Chia seeds were utilized by Aztecs as food and for medicinal purposes. Nowadays, this crop is gaining importance in many countries, due to its nutritional attributes. Some physical properties and chemical characteristics of chia seeds from four different regions of Mexico were evaluated and compared. Seed size distribution was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by the region, with similar values of seed length (2.03–2.10 mm), width (1.27–1.32 mm), thickness (0.77–0.81 mm) and surface area (4.95–5.42 mm²). Bulk density (662–741 kg m^?3), geometry and granulometric distribution were also determined. Origin of tested seeds significantly (P < 0.05) influenced their composition; all seeds had high contents of protein (18.5–22.3%), fat (21.5–32.7%) and fibre (20.1–36.1%). Chia seeds ratio between omega‐3 and omega‐6 fatty acids was 3:1 for the studied regions; seeds from Chiapas and Michoacán had the highest proportion of ω‐6 and ω‐3 fatty acids. The studied seeds contained phenolic compounds in the range of 0.53–0.71 mg GAE g^?1.     

Effect of gamma irradiation on physicochemical properties,proximate composition,vitamins and antinutritional factors of the tribal pulse Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata

Effect of gamma irradiation on Vigna unguiculata subsp. unguiculata seeds (maroon‐coloured seed coat) at various doses (2, 5, 10, 15 and 25 kGy) on the physicochemical properties, proximate composition, vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and antinutritional factors were analysed. No significant changes were recorded in the physicochemical properties of irradiated seeds. Gamma irradiation resulted in a significant increase in crude protein, while the crude lipid, crude fibre and ash contents resulted in a dose‐dependent decrease. Gamma‐irradiated seeds presented a significant decrease in the ascorbic acid and niacin content. Irradiation processing significantly reduced the level of L‐DOPA, phytic acid, hydrogen cyanide, trypsin inhibitor activity, oligosaccharides and lectins. The total free phenolics, tannins and in vitro protein digestibility on irradiation showed a significant dose‐dependent increase. Gamma irradiation seems to be a good procedure to improve the quality of legume seeds from the nutritional point of view.     

The effect of pod and seed positions on the physical and cooking properties of faba beans (Vicia faba)

The effect of pod location on plant (lower, middle and upper regions) and seed position inside the pods (nodular, middle and terminal) on certain characteristics of dry and stewed faba beans were studied. The weight, volume, relative density, seed coat (%), hydration and swelling coefficients were determined for dry seeds. Hydration and swelling coefficients, fractured beans (%), penetrometer readings and scores of colour, granulation and softness (by taste panel) were evaluated for stewed beans. The weight, volume, relative density, pH, and total and soluble solids content of the stewed liquor were also measured. Analysis of variance showed that the weight and volume of 1000 dry seeds were significantly (P<0.001) affected by pod location and seed position. Higher values were obtained for lower pods and terminal and middle seeds. Seeds from upper pods had the highest percentage of seed coat. Pod location showed a significant effect on the weight, volume, pH, soluble and insoluble solids of stewed liquor. No significant effect was found for pod location or seed positions on the characteristics of stewed beans, except the hydration coefficient which was significantly affected by pod location.     

Assessing mineral composition and morpho-physiological properties of de-hulled einkorn wheat during storage at different moisture levels

In this study were investigated the effects of different moisture levels (4.8, 9.5, 13, 16.7 and 20%, w.b.) during the storage at 10 °C for three months on some mineral compositions and morpho-physiological properties as dimensional (length, width, thickness, arithmetic mean diameter, geometric mean diameter, surface area and volume, sphericity), gravimetric (thousand grain weight, bulk and true densities) and the seed (colour measurement and electrical conductivity) of de-hulled einkorn wheat seeds. Mineral composition of wheat seeds changed with increasing moisture level. In particular, decreases in mineral composition were observed above 16.7% moisture level. Dimensional properties showed increases depending on increased moisture level. It was found that thousand grain weight and true density values increased with increase in moisture level. However, bulk density values were found to decrease with increase in moisture level. The seed colour properties as L*, a*, b*, Chroma, hue angle and Browning index did not change statistically at the end of three months storage with increase at moisture level. The results showed that mineral compositions and functional properties of seeds at moisture level of 9.5% is more suitable than other moisture levels. As a result, high moisture levels during storage can cause degradation of seed quality.     

Lupin seed coat as a promising food ingredient: physicochemical,nutritional, antioxidant properties,and effect of genotype and environment

The high proportion of seed coat of legume lupins results in big milling lose during kernel flour production, though the seed coat could be value-added as human food. The physicochemical and nutritional properties and antioxidant capacities of seed coats of six Australian sweet lupin cultivars grown at two locations were evaluated. Results showed that genotype, environment and their interaction were significant for seed coat percentage, proximate composition, dietary fibre content, polyphenols and antioxidant capacities. Strong correlations between seed coat lightness and polyphenol content were found. A comparison using multivariate analysis of the seed coat properties showed clear separation based on growing sites. This study indicates the enormous potential of Australian sweet lupin seed coat as an ‘antioxidant dietary fibre’ food source. The results could also benefit to breed varieties with desirable levels of nutrients and phytochemicals.     

Functional properties of protein isolates,globulin and albumin extracted from Ginkgo biloba seeds

In this study, the functional properties of Ginkgo seed protein isolate (GPI), Ginkgo seed globulin protein (GGP) and Ginkgo seed albumin protein (GAP) extracted from Ginkgo biloba seeds were investigated. The protein contents of GPI, GGP and GAP were 91.0%, 93.4% and 87.8%, respectively in the samples in which the sugar, polyphenol and crude fibre were removed by the preparation procedure. For functional properties of Ginkgo seed proteins in the natural state, GAP showed the highest oil-absorption capacity (9.3 ml/g), foaming capacity (67.8%), emulsifying capacity (65.4%) and emulsion stability (90.6%); while GPI showed the highest water absorption capacity (1.93 ml/g), and GGP showed the highest foam stability (55.5%). The differences of the chemical components, surface hydrophobicity, disulphide bond (SS) and sulfhydryl group (SH) contents of GPI, GGP and GAP, which were correlated significantly with functional properties of Ginkgo seed proteins, were also investigated. The improved functional properties, such as water absorption capacity, solubility, foaming properties and emulsifying properties of Ginkgo seed proteins were observed in a pH range of 8.0–10.0 or sodium chloride concentration of 0.5–0.75 M.     

Seed reserves of chickpea in relation to molybdenum supply

Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L), cv K75 plants were grown till maturity at 0.00001, 0.0001, 0.001 (deficient), 0.02 (adequate), 0.2 (supranormal) and 2.0 (excess) mg dm^?3 Mo in refined sand. The pod and seed yield of chickpea were at a maximum at 0.2 mg dm^?3 Mo, which is ten times higher than the usual Mo requirement. The seed weight of chickpea was decreased more by low (<0.02 mg dm^?3) than excess (2 mg dm^?3) Mo. In chickpea seeds, the concentrations of starch, reducing, non‐reducing and total sugars were highest at 0.02 mg dm^?3 Mo and decreased by Mo stress (<>0.02–0.2 mg dm^?3). In comparison, the content of methionine, lysine, legumin, vicilin, total proteins, protein and non‐protein nitrogen in seeds of chickpea decreased variably both at low (<0.02 mg dm^?3) and high (>0.2 mg dm^?3) Mo. Both deficiency and excess of Mo deteriorated the quality of seeds by increasing the content of phenols, cysteine and albumin and decreasing that of methionine, lysine, legumin and vicilin protein fractions, apart from reducing the seed weight. The quality of seeds deteriorated more by deficiency than excess of Mo in chickpea. Copyright © 2004 Society of Chemical Industry     

Microwave roasting effects on the composition of tocopherols and acyl lipids within each structural part and section of a soya bean

Whole soya beans (Glycine max) were exposed to microwave roasting for 6, 12 or 20 min at a frequency of 2450 MHz. The seed coat, axis and sections of cotyledons separated from the three cultivars were analysed not only by high‐performance liquid chromatography for tocopherols but also by gas chromatography for fatty acids before and after microwave roasting. The tocopherols were predominantly detected in the axis, followed by the cotyledons and the seed coat, and the distribution patterns of tocopherol homologues for Mikawajima differed significantly (P < 0.05) from those for Okuhara or Tsurunoko. As many as 40% of the individual tocopherols originally present in the coat were lost at 12 min of roasting, whereas they were still retained to the extent of >80% in the cotyledons and the axis after 20 min of roasting. Significant decreases (P < 0.05) were observed not only in the amounts of triacylglycerols and phospholipids but also in the percentages of polyunsaturated fatty acids in the coat compared with those of the cotyledons or the axis. These results imply that microwave energy effected more significant differences (P < 0.05) in the distribution of tocopherols and acyl lipids in the coat than those of the cotyledons or the axis. © 1999 Society of Chemical Industry     

Composition and properties of starches from Virginia‐grown kabuli chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) cultivars

Composition and properties of seeds and starches from five Virginia‐grown kabuli chickpea cultivars were investigated. The seeds had the average weight of 4.48 g per 10 g and volume of 641.2 mm³, and were rich in carbohydrate with starch as a principal constituent (59.2–70.9%). Resistant starch accounted for 7.7–10.4% of the total starch content. The composition and properties of the starches among the five cultivars were significantly different (P ≤ 0.05). All starches had a C‐type crystalline structure. The degree of crystallinity ranged from 21.1% to 27.4%, gelatinisation temperature from 7.97 to 11.2 °C and gelatinisation enthalpies from 2.18 to 3.76 J g^?1, and water absorption capacities from 90.7% to 117.5%. Different shapes and granule sizes were observed. Molecular weight of amylopectin was in the range of 6.35 × 10⁸–11.6 × 10⁸ Da. Cultivar ‘HB‐14’ was superior to the other cultivars, when combining larger seed size, higher resistant starch level and better properties.