Abstract
Proximate analysis and amino acid composition of the highly polished Italian millet were measured. Furthermore, nutritive values of the Italian millet protein concentrate was compared to those of the wheat gluten in rats.
Protein, vitamin B1 and iron contents of the highly polished Italian millet in 100g were 7.6g, 0.42mg and 6.73mg. From the result of amino acid analysis, chemical score and essential amino acid index of the Italian millet protein concentrate were 26.7 and 69.8, and those of the wheat gluten 26.0 and 57.5.
The Italian millet protein concentrate was prepared by α- and β-amylase treatment of the highly polished Italian millet for removing some parts of starch. Male rats, Wistar strain weighing 90g in average, were fed with the diet including 8% Italian millet protein concentrate or the wheat gluten. Nutritive values were evaluated from the following parameters: average weight gain, biological value, digestivility and net protein utilization, when rats were given the experimental diet for 7 days.
Weight gain and biological value of the Italian millet protein concentrate fed group was not significantly different from the wheat gluten. fed group. However, in relation to digestivility and net protein utilization, the Italian millet protein concentrate fed group was slightly lower than the wheat gluten fed group.
