Leaf protein concentrate quality: The effect of pasture species and reducing agent

P.E. Donnelly, R.M. McDonald

Ruakura Animal Research Station, Hamilton

Proceedings of the New Zealand Society of Animal Production. 1979, 39: 275-280

Leaf protein concentrates (LPC) were prepared from ryegrass (RG), white clover (WC), ryegrass/white clover (RG/WC) and lucerne (L). In vivo rat, true digestibilities of protein were lower for RG/WCF and RG than WC and L. This was probably due to a higher proportion of the protein from the RG being the less digestible "chloroplastic" fraction (compared with the "cytoplasmic" fraction). Treatment of the juice with reducing agent (Na₂S₂0₅) significantly improved chemically available methionine and lysine, and protein quality of LPC.

Keywords: NZSAPAB;

Last Updated 12-09-1998