Characterization of Carbohydrates and Proteins in Phalaris minor Seeds by Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System

The present study was conducted to characterize carbohydrate and protein fractions in Phalaris minor seeds (a novel feedstuff) in comparison to conventional energy sources fed to livestock. The crude protein of P. minor seeds was similar to wheat and was higher (P < 0.05) than other conventional cereal grains evaluated. P. minor seeds recorded the highest (P < 0.05) level of ether extract, total ash, lignin, neutral and acid detergent insoluble protein. P. minor seeds had lower (P < 0.05) level of total carbohydrates than conventional cereal grains. Wheat grains exhibited highest (P < 0.05) level of non-structural carbohydrates followed by maize, P. minor, pearl millet and barley. Protein fractions P_B1 and P_B2 in P. minor seeds were similar to maize. Total digestible nutrients in P. minor seeds were higher (P < 0.05) than pearl millet and barley. P. minor seeds could be considered as promising energy supplement for livestock as indicated by its chemical constituents.