Determination of in situ degradation kinetics of some legume waste not used for human consumption

Abstract

The objective of this experiment was to evaluate the chemical composition, in situ ruminal degradation kinetics, and proteinfractions of subsieve dry beans (DB), chickpeas (CCP), red lentils (RL), and green lentils (GL). Four samples of those legumes wereutilized as replicates and were incubated for up to 48 h in the rumen of 3 rams. RL and CCP had higher organic matter (OM) than DBand GL. Crude protein (CP) was the highest in GL (P < 0.05). Ether extract (EE) concentrations were higher in CCP and DB comparedto those of RL and GL (P < 0.05). Crude fiber (CF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) contents were thehighest in RL (P < 0.05). The acid insoluble nitrogen (ADIN-N) content was similar in all samples evaluated. While RL had the lowestOM and CP degradability and water-soluble OM and CP concentrations, DB and CCP had the highest potentially degradable OM andCP contents at the end of the 48 h incubation period (P < 0.05). Escaped protein content was the highest in RL and the lowest in DB (P< 0.05). In conclusion, some of the pulse species that are produced locally and not suitable for human consumption can be used in thediet of ruminant animals as a source of protein based on OM and CP degradabilities and escape protein contents.