Evaluation of velvet bean meal as an alternative protein ingredient for poultry feed

Abstract

The effect of certain simple and cost-effective processing methods on the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of seed materials of an under-utilized food legume, Mucuna pruriens (L.) DC. var. utilis (Wall. ex Wight) Baker ex Burck (velvet bean, VB), collected from Valanadu, Kerala, India was analyzed in experiment 1. The raw VB seeds were found to contain appreciable levels of crude protein (263.2 g/kg dry matter (DM)); ether extract (79.6 g/kg DM); crude fiber (95.8 g/kg DM) and ash content (38.4 g/kg DM). Among the different treatments used, soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution 1 autoclaving was more effective in reducing maximum levels of various anti-nutritional compounds of VB seeds. Furthermore, in experiment 2, the effect of inclusion of different levels of velvet bean meal (VBM; subjected to soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution 1 autoclaving) as an alternative protein source in poultry feed on the growth performance of commercial-type broiler birds was investigated. The results indicate that the inclusion of VBM up to the 40% level exhibited better growth performance of the broiler birds such as feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio in both the starter and finisher phases.Keywords: Mucuna pruriens var. utilis, poultry feed, protein ingredient, sodium bicarbonate 1 autoclaving, velvet bean meal ImplicationsThe nutritive potential and anti-nutritional profiles of seed materials of a promising under-utilized legume, velvet bean (VB), was revealed. The results on the effects of certain simple and cost-effective processing methods on the nutritional and anti-nutritional properties of VB allowed the selection of appropriate treatment for the utilization of VB as an alternative source of dietary protein. Furthermore, the major findings of the present investigation regarding the suitable level of inclusion of VB meal in the poultry feed as an alternative protein ingredient are very much useful for the poultry industry. The recommendation of incorporation of VB meal as an alternative protein ingredient in poultry feed would meet the increasing demands for dietary protein in the poultry sector. Moreover, the utilization of such suitably processed non-conventional legume grains could reduce the over-dependence on conventional legume proteins, which in turn decreases the feed production cost and ultimately improves the growth of the livestock industry in many developing countries.

Usefulness of Three under Exploited Vegetable Legumes - A Review

“…As a result, it can be readily utilized as food and animal feed. It contains a high level of protein and serves as a supplement for humans (Pugalenthi et al, 2005;Bhat et al, 2008;Chikagwa-Malunga et al, 2009;Vadivel and Pugalenthi, 2010;Vadivel et al, 2011). Velvet bean possesses a phytochemical known as L-Dopa, which is a non-protein amino acid present in a higher concentration within its seed; it is used to treat Parkinson's disease (Kaizzi et al, 2006;Mannangatti and Naidu, 2016).…”

“…Velvet bean possesses a phytochemical known as L-Dopa, which is a non-protein amino acid present in a higher concentration within its seed; it is used to treat Parkinson's disease (Kaizzi et al, 2006;Mannangatti and Naidu, 2016). Likewise, it is also found to be anti-cholesterol, antidiabetic, antitumor, aphrodisiac, anti-venom and antimicrobial in nature (Pugalenthi et al, 2005;Bhat et al, 2008;Chikagwa-Malunga et al, 2009;Vadivel and Pugalenthi, 2010b;Vadivel et al, 2011). However, one of the reasons that it is not a popular vegetable is that it isknown to contain several toxins such as tannins, lectins, phytic acid and trypsin inhibitors.…”

Alternative protein sources in the nutrition of farm animals

“…Velvet bean (Mucuna pruriens) is also useful alternative of soybean, but it is common only in India. In poultry nutrition the inclusion rate can be increase up to 40% in complete feed, without changes of the production traits (Vadivel et al, 2011). Average crude protein content is 26.3%, but its use limited by its antinutritive compound content, such as phenolics, tannins, trypsin inhibitor and phytohaemagglutinating activity.…”

Performance, Carcass Production, and Meat Quality of Sumba Ongole Bulls Fed Ration Containing Velvet Bean (Mucuna pruriens)

“…Higher FE value suggests a better efficiency of the cattle in metabolizing the feed. According to Vadivel et al (2011), low protein digestibility is probably due to L-Dopa oxidation which is conjugated to cysteine and form a bond so called 5-s-cysteinyldopa that promotes protein polymerization.…”