Chemical composition of Berseem (Trifolium alexandrinum) leaf meal and leaf protein concentrate

Abstract

Trifolium alexandrinum is commonly called as Berseem. It has been used to prepare berseem leaf meal (BLM) and leaf protein concentrate (BLPC). Proximate analysis revealed that the crude protein level in BLM and BLPC were 23.98% and 41.67% respectively. Level of anti-nutritional factor especially saponin content in BLM and BLPC were found to be 0.91% and 0.71% respectively. The alkaloids were higher in BLPC (5.55%) and BLM (3.46%). It has been recorded that saponin content reduced to 0.40% in BLM on 24 hours of water soaking. Evidence from the present study suggests that BLM and BLPC can be used as a good protein source in aquafeed.