Detoxification and nutritional evaluation of solvent extracted Egyptian cottonseed meal.

Attempts for degossypolization of the solvent extracted Egyptian cottonseed meal (CSM) and evaluation of its nutritional value as a possible protein supplement for human feeding were undertaken. Three methods were applied for degossypolization: Steaming, addition of iron(II)-sulphate dihydrate, and steaming after addition of iron(II)-sulphate dihydrate. Steaming was done for varying periods of time. Nutritional evaluation was undertaken by chemical analysis and by feeding experiments. Chemically, the third method for degossypolization was the most effective. Feed efficiency and protein efficiency for diets containing 15 and 10% levels of CSM protein indicated that all treatments used for detoxification caused a decrease in diet and protein quality. Diets containing iron-supplemented CSM at the same level were the best of all. Mixing CSM with casein to form a diet containing 10% protein increases the protein quality of both casein and CSM.

Unconventional protein sources: "date seeds".

Different varieties of Egyptian date seed were evaluated biochemically. The protein content of which was in the range of 7.13-10.36%, while the fat content was from 6.32-9.28%. Phosphorus, calcium and iron were determined in all experimental samples. One variety of date seed (Samany) were used for extensive determination of the amino acids constituents by acid hydrolysis, quantitative determination of some amino acids, and evaluation of their biological value on attempt to use the seeds as new protein sources. Weanling albino rats fed on a diet of protein level 5% lost weight, but no toxic signs were observed. Analysis of blood serum of rats, for total proteins, albumin globulin ratio and free nonessential/essential amino acid protein, showed the date seed protein to be of low biological value.

Unconventional protein sources: apricot seed kernels.

Hamawy apricot seed kernels (sweet), Amar apricot seed kernels (bitter) and treated Amar apricot kernels (bitterness removed) were evaluated biochemically. All kernels were found to be high in fat (42.2--50.91%), protein (23.74--25.70%) and fiber (15.08--18.02%). Phosphorus, calcium, and iron were determined in all experimental samples. The three different apricot seed kernels were used for extensive study including the qualitative determination of the amino acid constituents by acid hydrolysis, quantitative determination of some amino acids, and biological evaluation of the kernel proteins in order to use them as new protein sources. Weanling albino rats failed to grow on diets containing the Amar apricot seed kernels due to low food consumption because of its bitterness. There was no loss in weight in that case. The Protein Efficiency Ratio data and blood analysis results showed the Hamawy apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than treated apricot seed kernels. The Net Protein Ratio data which accounts for both weight, maintenance and growth showed the treated apricot seed kernels to be higher in biological value than both Hamawy and Amar kernels. The Net Protein Ratio for the last two kernels were nearly equal.