Influence of Gamma Radiation Processing on the Nutritional Characteristics of Grass Pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) Seeds

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of different gamma irradiation doses on the nutrient composition, fiber fractions, metabolizable energy values, and radical scavenging activity of grass pea (Lathyrus sativus L.) seeds. Grass pea seeds were subjected to gamma irradiation at doses of 100, 200, and 300 Gy, and changes in nutrient composition, cellulose-related fiber fractions, and radical scavenging activity were evaluated. Nutrient and fiber fraction analyses were performed using standard methods, while antioxidant capacity was determined using the DPPH radical scavenging assay. Gamma irradiation did not significantly affect moisture, crude ash, sugar, or nitrogen-free extract contents (P>0.05). In contrast, crude fat and crude protein contents were significantly influenced by irradiation (P<0.05), although the numerical changes in protein content were limited. Increasing irradiation doses resulted in a significant reduction in starch content (P<0.01). In addition, pronounced decreases were observed in crude cellulose, acid detergent fiber (ADF), and neutral detergent fiber (NDF) fractions, indicating structural modifications of cell wall components (P<0.01). In parallel with the reduction in fiber fractions, estimated metabolizable energy values for poultry increased significantly (P<0.05), whereas more limited changes were observed in metabolizable energy values for ruminants. Regarding antioxidant capacity, radical scavenging activity determined by the DPPH assay reached its highest level at the 100 Gy dose (P<0.01), while higher irradiation doses resulted in a decline in this activity. In conclusion, appropriately applied gamma irradiation improved the nutritional quality, energy availability, and antioxidant potential of grass pea seeds, enhancing their potential use as an alternative and value-added feed ingredient, particularly for monogastric animals. Further studies involving digestibility and in vivo performance are recommended to confirm these effects under practical feeding conditions.

Keywords

• Gamma irradiation
• Grass pea seeds
• Nutritional modification
• Fiber reduction
• Feed processing

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