Quality of protein and minerals as influenced by antinutrients of grains of sorghum cultivars grown under different levels of micronutrients

The seeds of two cultivars of Sudanese sorghum (Sorghum bicolor), namely Tabat and Tetron, were grown under different levels of micronutrients (0, 2, 4 and 8 gm/5 kg soil) for two consecutive seasons. Antinutrients (tannin and phytate) content and in vitro available protein and minerals of the flour of the harvested seeds were examined. The results showed that both tannin and phytate were reduced with micronutrients level. Fertilization of Tabat seeds with a maximum dose of 8 gm/5kg soil, reduced tannin content by 73 and 50% and that of Tetron reduced by 50 and 83% during first and second growing seasons, respectively. Moreover, Phytate content of Tabat was reduced by 29 and 27% while that of Tetron was reduced by 20 and 17% during the growing seasons, respectively. The reduction in antinutrients was accompanied by a significant (P <= 0.05) increase in protein digestibility and minerals extractability for both cultivars and during both seasons. (C) All Rights Reserved