Comparative Analysis and Nutritional Assessment of Raw Seeds of Crotalaria Species

Five different species of Crotalaria were analysed for their proximate and mineral composition, protein fractions, amino acid profile of total seed proteins, fatty acid profile of seed lipids, in vitro protein digestibility vitamins (niacin and ascorbic acid) and certain anti-nutritional factors. The major findings of the study were as follows: crude protein content ranged from 12.50 27.12%, crude lipid 0.77 1.63%, crude fibre 0.92 6.26%, ash 3.20 -3.90%, carbohydrates 66.21 82.16% and calorific value 1546.25 1611.74 kJ100g DM. The investigated seed samples contained minerals such as Na, K, Ca, Mg and P were in abundance. Albumins and globulins seem to be the principle protein of the investigated species of Crotalaria. The essential amino acid profile of total seed proteins was found to be high when compared to the FAO/WHO (1991) recommended pattern. The fatty acid profiles of all the five species revealed that the seed lipids contained linoleic and linolenic and palmitic acid in high concentration. The IVPD of the studied samples ranged from 71.84 74.30%. The anti-nutritional factors ranged from: total free phenolics 0.14 2.25%, tannins 7.61 17.50%, L-DOPA 2.31 9.41%, phytic acid 0.04 0.09 %, trypsin inhibitor activity 21.70 28.60 TIUmg-1 protein. Low levels of phytohaemagglutinating activity for human erythrocytes of ‘O’ blood group than ‘A’ and ‘B’ blood groups were found in all the varieties.