In vitro digestibility and crude protein and mineral concentrations of guinea grass accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto rico

Abstract

The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of ten Panicum maximum accessions were compared between seasons in Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminants requirements. On short days, PRPI 13605 was superior (P<0.05) in IVOMD to all the other accessions. In terms of the CP content, accession PRPI 3634 was above 11% in both seasons, however, without differing (P>0.05) from most accessions. The mean macroelement content of the accessions was generally adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of Na and Mg. Phosphorus was less than the critical concentration (0.25%) for one‐half of the accessions in the short day season and 2 of 10 for the long day season. For all samples, Mn was high and Fe was generally adequate in relation to ruminant requirements. Most all samples contained deficient concentrations of Co, Cu, Se, and Zn. Forage Mo concentrations, therefore, did not result in conditioned Cu deficiencies. In this context, it is probable that Na, Se, Cu, Co, Zn, and perhaps Mg, will be needed even if intensive fertilization is practiced in the humid tropical region of Puerto Rico.     

In Vitro digestibility,crude protein content,and mineral concentrations of cynodon,brachiarin, and digitaria accessions in a humid tropical region of Puerto Rico

Abstract

The in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content, and mineral composition of 11 grasses were compared between seasons in Puerto Rico and evaluated in relation to grazing ruminant requirements. Digitaria eriantha was the highest in IVOMD for both seasons, being higher (P<0.05) than 6 of 10 forages in the long‐day season and 4 of 10 in the shortday season. No differences (P>0.05) in CP content were observed among accessions at both seasons. Mean macroelement content of the accessions was generally adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of sodium (Na) and magnesium (Mg). Forage microelement concentrations of cobalt (Co), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn) were generally under the grazing ruminant requirements for the accessions evaluated during both seasons. Iron (Fe) and manganese (Mn) content were high in relation to requirements, especially during the short‐day season. Molybdenum (Mo) was not in excess for the accessions evaluated. The Zn concentrations were similar to the results reported from other experiments with higher fertilization levels. The selenium (Se) concentrations presented an apparent seasonal variation higher in the short‐day season, which is similar to other experiments with high fertilization levels.     

In Vitro digestibility,crude protein,and mineral concentrations of Leucaena leucocephala accessions in a wet/dry tropical region of venezuela

Abstract

An experiment was conducted on a commercial farm located in the western part of Venezuela (10.5°N and 72°W; mean annual rainfall of 1000 mm; mean annual temperature of 28°C; sandy‐loam Alfisol with pH of 5.5). The purpose of the experiment was to evaluate the in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD), crude protein (CP) content and mineral composition of four Leucaena leucocephala (Lam.) De Wit accessions under rotational grazing by heifers over a 6‐month period covering dry and rainy seasons, using a split‐plot experimental design with two replications. Neither accessions nor the accession x season interaction affected (P>0.05) any of the variables. The mean IVOMD was 68.6%, whereas CP content during the rainy season (26.5%) was higher (P<0.05) than in the dry season (24.3%). Average mineral content of the accessions were adequate in relation to grazing ruminant requirements with the exception of phosphorus [(P) 0.13%], sodium [(Na) 0.038%], copper [(Cu) 6.9 ppm], and zinc [(Zn) 19.7 ppm]. Forage P concentration may have been influenced by the low soil P content of the experimental site. The mean forage Ca:P ratio (11.3:1) was considerably wider than desirable. During the dry season, ash content increased (P<0.05), Na, iron (Fe), and cobalt (Co) decreased (P<0.05), but Fe and Co still remained above the critical levels. Mean concentrations of other elements were not affected (P>0.05) by season. Forage molybdenum (Mo) concentrations were low and, therefore, would not result in conditioned Cu deficiency. The four L. leucocephala accessions had similar feeding value for grazing ruminants and their quality was not markedly reduced in the dry season. Mineral supplementation of ruminants grazing this legume may be needed to correct specific deficiencies and imbalances.     

Mineral concentrations of forages and soils in Benue State,Nigeria. I. Macrominerals and forage in vitro organic matter digestibility and crude protein concentrations

Abstract

Macromineral composition of different forage species and soils and forage in vitro organic matter digestibility (IVOMD) and crude protein concentrations in three agricultural zones of Benue State were studied. The zones consisted of Tiv zone (Zone A), Igala zone (Zone B), and Idoma zone (Zone C), each of which was made up of three sites. Site I was Fulani cattle migration routes across the state, site II represented grazing sites within home proximity, and site III were grazing reserves. Grazing animals were followed and forages corresponding to that consumed by them, and the corresponding soil samples were collected during the peak of the dry season (December‐January) and analyzed for nutrient composition. Forage IVOMD ranged from 21% to 79%, with values obtained in grass being lowest due to pronounced overmaturity. Only 10% of forage samples (exclusively from grasses), showed protein levels below the critical value of 7%. Most forage samples, as well as their corresponding soil samples were sufficient in calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), and potassium (K) concentrations. Soil concentrations of Ca, Mg, and K were particularly high compared to critical requirements in all the zones studied. Approximately 94% and 76% of forages were deficient in phosphorus (P) and sodium (Na), respectively, and the deficiencies were similar in all classes of forage and sites of study for each of the zones investigated. Results of forage‐soil relationships indicated low and nonexisting correlations; therefore soil analyzes are not of great importance in the assessment of available macromineral supplies to grazing livestock. The macrominerals most needed for supplementation of grazing livestock during the dry season are P, Na, and K.     

Electrophoretic pattern, thermal denaturation, and in vitro digestibility of oxidized myosin

Physicochemical changes and in vitro digestibility of chicken breast myosin oxidized with a nonenzymic free-radical-generating system (FeCl(3)/H(2)O(2)/ascorbate) were studied by SDS-PAGE, differential scanning calorimetry, and o-phthaldialdehyde assay. Oxidation caused fragmentation and polymerization of myosin. Myosin polymers were cross-linked mainly through disulfide bonds. Hydroxyl radicals destabilized myosin, lowering its denaturation temperature by up to 4 degrees C. Oxidized myosin also produced a new thermal transition in the 60-80 degrees C temperature range, which could be attributed to the formation of disulfide-stabilized polymers. The proteolytic susceptibility of myosin to pepsin, trypsin, and chymotrypsin was increased by oxidation. Under nonreducing conditions, however, oxidized myosin showed decreased digestibility. The results may help explain variations in the functionality and nutritional quality of muscle foods in meat processing in which oxidation is involved.     

Effect of storage temperature and water activity on the content and profile of isoflavones, antioxidant activity, and in vitro protein digestibility of soy protein isolates and defatted soy flours

The aim of this work was to study the effect of 1 year of storage at different temperatures and 1 month of storage at different water activities on the content and profile of isoflavones, antioxidant activity, and in vitro protein digestibility of defatted soy flours (DSF) and soy protein isolates (SPI). The storage for up to 1 year, at temperatures from -18 to 42 degrees C, had no effect on the total content of isoflavones, but the profile changed drastically at 42 degrees C, with a significant decrease of the percentage of malonylglucosides with a proportional increase of beta-glucosides. A similar effect was observed for SPI stored at a(w) = 0.87 for 1 month. For DSF, however, there was observed a great increase in aglycons (from 10 to 79%), probably due to the action of endogenous beta-glucosidases. The antioxidant activity decreased after storage at 42 degrees C, but the in vitro protein digestibility did not change.     

Internal breakdown,mineral element concentration,and weight of mango fruit 1

Internal breakdown in mango fruit is a disorder often attributed to a nutrient deficiency, particularly of calcium (Ca), in the fruit. The relationship between internal breakdown in mango fruit and fruit mineral element concentrations and fresh weight was investigated. Fruit were collected weekly from a commercial orchard beginning 4 weeks after fruit set (WAFS) until the fruit were ripe. The concentrations of nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), Ca, magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), iron (Fe), and boron (B) and fresh weight of ‘Tommy Atkins’ mango fruit with and without internal breakdown were compared. Disordered fruit weighed more than healthy fruit 4 WAFS. However, when fruit were ripe there were no significant differences in fruit weight between healthy and disordered fruit. Disordered fruit contained significantly higher concentrations of N, P, Ca, and B than the healthy mango fruit, 4 WAFS. When fruit were ripe, there were no differences in N, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Fe, and B concentrations between healthy and disordered fruit. Ripe, healthy fruit had higher Cu and lower P concentrations than ripe, disordered fruit. Internal breakdown could not be specifically linked to a Ca deficiency in mango fruit at any stage of fruit ontogeny.     

Potassium concentration effect on growth,gas exchange and mineral accumulation in potatoes

This study was conducted to evaluate the responses of potatoes to six K solution concentrations maintained with a flow‐through nutrient film system. Potato plants were grown for 42 days in sloping shallow trays containing a 1 cm layer of quartz gravel with a continuous flow of 4 ml min^‐1 of nutrient solutions having K concentrations of 0.10, 0.55, 1.59, 3.16, 6.44, 9.77 meq L^‐1. Plant leaf area, total and tuber dry weights were reduced over 25% at 0.10 meq L^‐1 of K and over 17% at 9.77 meq L^‐l of K compared to concentrations of 0.55, 1.59, 3.16 and 6.44 meq L^‐1 of K. Gas exchange measurements on leaflets in situ after 39 days of growth demonstrated no significant differences among different K treatments in CO₂ assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO₂ concentration, and transpiration. Further measurements made only on plants grown at 0.10, 1.59, 6.44 meq L^‐1 of K showed similar responses of CO₂ assimilation rate to different intercellular CO₂ concentrations. This suggested that the photosynthetic systems were not affected by different K nutrition. The leaves of plants accumulated about 60% less K at 0.10 meq L^‐1 of K than at higher K concentrations. However, Ca and Mg levels in the leaves were higher at 0.10 meq L^‐1 of K than at higher K concentrations. This indicates that low K nutrition not only reduced plant growth, but also affected nutrient balance between major cations.     

Effect of interfacial protein cross-linking on the in vitro digestibility of emulsified corn oil by pancreatic lipase

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of globular protein interfacial cross-linking on the in vitro digestibility of emulsified lipids by pancreatic lipase. 3% (wt/wt) corn oil-in-water emulsions stabilized by either lecithin or beta-lactoglobulin were prepared (pH 7). A portion of the beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions was subjected to a heat treatment known to cross-link the adsorbed globular proteins (85 degrees C, 20 min). Pancreatic lipase and bile extract were then added to each emulsion at 37 degrees C (pH 7) and the evolution of the particle charge, particle size, appearance and free fatty acids released were measured over a period of 2 h. The rate and extent of lipid digestion did not differ greatly between lecithin and beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions, nor did it differ greatly for unheated (BLG-U) or heated (BLG-H) beta-lactoglobulin stabilized emulsions. For example, the initial rate of lipid digestion was found to be 3.1, 3.4, and 2.3 mM fatty acids s(-1) m(-2) of lipid surface for droplets stabilized by BLG-U, BLG-H, and lecithin, respectively. Pancreatic lipase was able to adsorb to the droplet surfaces and access the emulsified lipids, regardless of the initial interfacial composition and the fact that some of the original emulsifier appeared to remain at the oil-water interface during digestion. These results help to explain why the human body is so efficient at digesting dietary triacylglycerols.     

Potassium concentration effect on growth, gas exchange and mineral accumulation in potatoes

This study was conducted to evaluate the responses of potatoes to six K solution concentrations maintained with a flow-through nutrient film system. Potato plants were grown for 42 days in sloping shallow trays containing a 1 cm layer of quartz gravel with a continuous flow of 4 ml min-1 of nutrient solutions having K concentrations of 0.10, 0.55, 1.59, 3.16, 6.44, 9.77 meq L-1. Plant leaf area, total and tuber dry weights were reduced over 25% at 0.10 meq L-1 of K and over 17% at 9.77 meq L-1 of K compared to concentrations of 0.55, 1.59, 3.16 and 6.44 meq L-1 of K. Gas exchange measurements on leaflets in situ after 39 days of growth demonstrated no significant differences among different K treatments in CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance, intercellular CO2 concentration, and transpiration. Further measurements made only on plants grown at 0.10, 1.59, 6.44 meq L-1 of K showed similar responses of CO2 assimilation rate to different intercellular CO2 concentrations. This suggested that the photosynthetic systems were not affected by different K nutrition. The leaves of plants accumulated about 60% less K at 0.10 meq L-1 of K than at higher K concentrations. However, Ca and Mg levels in the leaves were higher at 0.10 meq L-1 of K than at higher K concentrations. This indicates that low K nutrition not only reduced plant growth, but also affected nutrient balance between major cations.     

Characterization and in vitro digestibility of bovine beta-lactoglobulin glycated with galactooligosaccharides

Galactooligosaccharides (GOS) are well-known prebiotic ingredients which can form the basis of new functional dairy products. In this work, the production and characterization of glycated beta-lactoglobulin (beta-LG) with prebiotic GOS through the Maillard reaction under controlled conditions ( a(w) = 0.44, 40 degrees C for 23 days) have been studied. The extent of glycation of beta-LG was evaluated by formation of furosine which progressively increased with storage for up to 16 days, suggesting that the formation of Amadori compounds prevailed over their degradation. RP-HPLC-UV, SDS-PAGE, and IEF profiles of beta-LG were modified as a consequence of its glycation. MALDI-ToF mass spectra of glycated beta-LG showed an increase of up to approximately 21% in its average molecular mass after storage for 23 days. Moreover, a decrease in unconjugated GOS (one tri-, two tetra-, and one pentasaccharide) was observed by HPAEC-PAD upon glycation. These results were confirmed by ESI MS. The stability of the glycated beta-LG to in vitro simulated gastrointestinal digestion was also described and compared with that of the unglycated protein. The yield of digestion products of glycated beta-LG was lower than that observed for the unglycated protein. The conjugation of prebiotic carbohydrates to stable proteins and peptides could open new routes of research in the study of functional ingredients.     

Composition and in vitro digestibility of monosaccharide constituents of selected byproduct feeds

Nonforage byproduct feeds, including distillers dried grains (DDG), corn gluten feed (CGF), wheat bran (WB), beet pulp (BP), soybean hulls (SH), and dried citrus pulp (DCP), were examined for monosaccharide composition and in vitro digestibility by ruminal liquor. The dicotyledonous feeds (BP, SH, and DCP) contained more galactose, pectin, and NDF glucans and less NDF-xylan and NDF-arabinose than the monocotyledonous ones (DDG, CGF, and WB). The lowest values of lignin were found in CGF, SH, and DCP. Digestibility of total carbohydrate was around 90% in CGF, DCP, BP, and SH and around 80% in DDG and WB. Digestibility of total NDF polysaccharides was 86% in CGF and SH, 78--84% in DDG, DCP, and BP, and 56% in WB. In all byproducts, digestibility of NDF glucose and arabinose was higher than that of NDF xylose and uronic acids.     

Chemical composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics, and in vivo digestibility responses by dogs to select corn fibers

The objective was to examine the chemical composition, in vitro fermentation characteristics, and in vivo digestibility responses of fiber-rich corn coproducts resulting from corn wet milling. Native corn fibers, native corn fibers with fines, hydrolyzed corn fibers, and hydrolyzed extracted corn fibers were analyzed chemically and their capacity to produce short-chain fatty acids determined. Ash content was low (<1.2%), crude protein content varied little, but fat and fiber concentrations varied widely. Most fiber was in the insoluble form, with glucose being predominant followed by xylose. Total short-chain fatty acid production ranged from 211.6 to 699.52 micromol/g of dry matter, whereas branched-chain fatty acid production was low. Four corn fibers (native and processed) were included in a canine diet matrix at the 7% inclusion level. Nutrient digestibility, food intake, and fecal characteristics were not affected by corn fiber inclusion in canine diets, suggesting that they should be considered as potential dietary fiber sources in dog foods.     

Influence of ca concentration on growth,tissue concentration,and nutrient uptake of in vitro propagated plums and lovell seedlings

Seedlings of ‘Lovell’ peach [Prunus persica (L.) Batsch], and in vitro propagated plums, ‘St. Julien A GF 655–2’ [Prunus institia (L.) Bullace] (655–2), ‘Damas GF 1869’ [Prunus domestica (L.)] (D1869), and ‘Clark Hill Red Leaf’ [Prunus saliciana (Lindl) x Prunus cerasifera (EHRH)] (CH redleaf) were grown in the greenhouse 45 or 51 days in nutrient solutions containing 2, 6, 22, 200, and 400 μM Ca. Terminal length, number of laterals, trunk cross‐sectional area, and root volume were increased by the 22 μM Ca treatments at harvest 1. The CH redleaf and 655–2 plums had the largest increase in growth for harvest 1, but the ‘Lovell’ peach seedlings and D1869 plum had the largest increase in growth for harvest 2. There were no leaf symptoms of Ca deficiency when the leaf Ca concentration in the tissue exceeded 2500 μg/g (dry wt.) Calcium concentration was increased from 1406 to 4109 μg/g (dry wt.) in the stems, and from 540 to 2633 μg/g (dry wt) in the roots by Ca treatments of 400 μM after 45 days of growth. Calcium uptake rate for ‘Lovell’ seedlings was greater than were rates for CH redleaf and 655–2 plums at all solution concentrations during the first 45 days of growth. The Ca uptake rate for D1869 plum was greater than the rate for ‘Lovell’ seedlings during the second growth period. An interaction between Ca concentration and plant species occurred for P, K, and Mg uptake rates at both harvest dates. The in vitro propagated D1869 plum was equal to the ‘Lovell’ seedlings in growth, tissue Ca concentration, and Ca uptake rates.     

In vitro digestibility of the cancer-preventive soy peptides lunasin and BBI

Lunasin and BBI (Bowman Birk protease inhibitor) are bioactive soy peptides that have been shown to be effective suppressors of carcinogenesis in in vitro and in vivo model systems. Since they are subject to digestion in the gastrointestinal tract, we investigated here the stabilities of lunasin and BBI to digestion in vitro by simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) and simulated gastric fluid (SGF). Samples containing lunasin and BBI of varying purities were subjected to in vitro digestion by SIF and SGF at different times and analyzed by Western blot. While the pure BBI reaction is stable after SIF and SGF digestions, the purified lunasin from soybean and synthetic lunasin are easily digested after 2 min in both in vitro digestions. In contrast, lunasin from soy protein containing BBI is comparatively stable after SIF and SGF digestions. Both lunasin and BBI are able to internalize into the cell and localize in the nucleus even after digestion, suggesting that some of the peptides are intact and bioactive. These data suggest that BBI plays a role in protecting lunasin from digestion when soy protein is consumed orally. The role of other soy protease inhibitors such as Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (KTI) cannot be excluded from these experiments.     

Effect of oxidation on in vitro digestibility of skeletal muscle myofibrillar proteins

The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of chemical oxidation on myofibrillar protein digestibility. Myofibrils were prepared from pig M. longissimus dorsi and oxidized by a hydroxyl radical generating system. Oxidative modifications of proteins were assessed by the carbonyl content, surface hydrophobicity, electrophoresis, and immunoblotting. Oxidized or nonoxidized myofibrillar proteins were then exposed to proteases of the digestive tract (pepsin, trypsin, and alpha-chymotrypsin). Results showed a direct and quantitative relationship between protein damages by hydroxyl radical and loss of protein digestibility.     

Effect of meat cooking on physicochemical state and in vitro digestibility of myofibrillar proteins

The effect of meat cooking was measured on myofibrillar proteins from bovine M. Rectus abdominis. The heating treatment involved two temperatures (100 degrees C during 5, 15, 30, and 45 min and 270 degrees C during 1 min). Protein oxidation induced by cooking was evaluated by the level of carbonyl and free thiol groups. Structural modifications of proteins were assessed by the measurement of their surface hydrophobicity and by their aggregation state. With the aim of evaluating the impact of heat treatment on the digestive process, myofibrillar proteins were then exposed to proteases of the digestive tract (pepsin, trypsin, and alpha-chymotrypsin) in conditions of pH and temperature that simulate stomach and duodenal digestion. Meat cooking affected myofibrillar protein susceptibility to proteases, with increased or decreased rates, depending on the nature of the protease and the time/temperature parameters. Results showed a direct and quantitative relationship between protein carbonylation (p<0.01) and aggregation (p<0.05) induced by cooking and proteolytic susceptibility to pepsin. However, no such correlations have been observed with trypsin and alpha-chymotrypsin.     

Grain yield,stalk rot,and mineral concentration of fertigated corn as influenced by N P K

Peanut (Arachis hypoaaea L.) is a major cash crop in Georgia. Corn (Zea mays L.) is the preferred rotation crop, but is often not profitable because of large inputs costs. Fertilizer comprises approximately 50% of the variable production costs of irrigated corn. There is interest in reducing fertilizer inputs, in particular N, to reduce variable costs and decrease nitrate leaching to groundwater, but yields may suffer. Our objective was to investigate the effect of N, P, and K fertilizer rates on the yield of N‐fertigated corn in a corn/peanut rotation. Field experiments were conducted during 1987 and 1988 on a Tifton loamy sand (fine‐loamy, siliceous, thermic Plinthic Paleudult) at Tifton, GA. Treatments were three rates each of N, P, and K fertilizer in a complete factorial. Nitrogen, P, and K rates were 168, 252, 336 kg N ha^‐1 yr^‐1; 44, 73, 103 kg P ha^‐1 yr^‐1; and 84, 223, and 363 kg K ha^‐1 yr^‐1, respectively. Grain yields were large, 12.6 and 10.4 Mg ha^‐1 in 1987 and 1988, respectively, but not affected by N, P, or K rate. Since the lower rates of N, P, and K were less than recommended, fertilizer use efficiency for fertigated corn can be improved, for at least one year, by reducing N, P, and K fertilizer rates to less than current recommendations. Rates of N, P, and K did not result in a substantial difference in the concentration of essential nutrients. Stalk rot was limited (< 15%), but decreased with increasing K fertilizer rate.     

Influence of lipid physical state on the in vitro digestibility of emulsified lipids

The objective of this study was to investigate the influence of the physical state of emulsified lipids on their in vitro digestibility by pancreatic lipase. A 10 wt % tripalmitin oil-in-water emulsion stabilized by sodium dodecyl sulfate (0.9 wt % SDS) was prepared at a temperature (>70 degrees C) above the melting point of the lipid phase (T(m) approximately 60 degrees C). A portion of this emulsion was cooled to a temperature (0 degrees C for 15 min) well below the crystallization temperature of the emulsified lipid (T(c) approximately 22 degrees C) and then warmed to 37 degrees C so as to have completely solid lipid particles. Another portion of the emulsion was directly cooled from 70 to 37 degrees C (which is above the T(c)) to have completely liquid (supercooled) lipid particles. Pancreatic lipase (8 mg/mL) and bile extract (5.0 mg/mL) were then added to each emulsion at 37 degrees C, and the evolution of the particle charge, particle size, appearance, and free fatty acid release were measured over a period of 2 h. It was found that the rate and extent of lipid digestion were higher in the emulsion containing liquid particles but that appreciable lipid digestion still occurred in the emulsion containing solid particles (i.e., >35% lipid digestion after 2 h). These results may have important consequences for controlling the digestion rate of lipids or for developing solid lipid particle delivery systems for lipophilic functional components.     

Effect of various domestic processing methods on antinutrients and in vitro protein and starch digestibility of two indigenous varieties of Indian tribal pulse, Mucuna pruriens Var. utilis.

The effect of various domestic processing methods on antinutrients and starch fractions and in vitro protein and starch digestibilities of white and black varieties of Mucuna pruriens var. utilis was studied. Cooking or autoclaving of both raw seeds and presoaked seeds in different solutions (water, tamarind extract, sodium bicarbonate, and citric acid) significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the content of total phenolics, phytic acid, trypsin inhibitor and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities, and L-dopa compared to soaking or dry heating techniques. The germination processes (24 and 48 h) were also effective in the reduction of various antinutrients, although this reduction appeared to be more pronounced in a prolonged period of germination (72 h). Water soaking followed by dehusking was found to be ineffective in the reduction of trypsin and chymotrypsin inhibitor activities in both varieties. All of the treatments were effective in significantly (p < 0.05) reducing the resistant starch content in the presently investigated samples. Cooking as well as autoclaving brought about a more significant (p < 0.05) improvement in the digestibility of protein and starch compared to germination and dry heat treatment. Moreover, among the different processing techniques, soaking in sodium bicarbonate solution followed by cooking (29.6-34.8%) or autoclaving (33.0-37.2%) seemed to be the best method for improving starch digestibility.