Protein quality of raw and autoclaved cowpeas: comparison between some insect resistant and susceptible varieties.

A comparative study was conducted with four improved cowpea (2 pod bug resistant and 2 susceptible) varieties to assess the effect of autoclaving at 105 degrees C under 15 psi for 30 min on their protein quality, as measured by the levels of some antinutritional factors and performance of rats fed the different cowpea diets. Also, the relationships between antinutrients in the cowpeas and protein quality indicators were examined. Results showed that autoclaving completely eliminated trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and HCN, whereas it reduced significantly (p < 0.01) the levels of phytic and tannic acids in the cowpeas. In both raw and autoclaved forms, the insect susceptible cowpeas were better (p < 0.05) utilized than their resistant counterparts, a condition which was attributable to lower levels of antinutrients in the susceptible varieties. In the raw cowpeas, trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and HCN were significant variables affecting cowpea protein utilization, while in autoclaved samples, tannic and phytic acids were important though nonsignificant (p > 0.05) factors. It was concluded that autoclaving at the above temperature and time improved the protein quality of the insect susceptible more than the insect resistant cowpea varieties.