Changes in the composition of soybeans on sprouting

Abstract

Summary Changes in nitrogen and oil contents and loss in dry weight have been followed during the first six days of germination of the Hawkeye variety of soybeans; thiamin and ascorbic acid content have been followed for four days. During the first three days about 1.5% of the dry matter was lost; the nonprotein nitrogen increased from 3 to 6% of the total nitrogen, with no change in the petroleum ether extractables and with a decrease in free fatty acids. At the end of six days, with sprouts about 2 1/2 in. long, only 2.6% of the dry matter was lost, the nonprotein nitrogen had increased to 13% of the total nitrogen with 2.6% loss of total nitrogen, and a 12% loss was observed in petroleum ether extractables; the free fatty acids did not increase appreciably. No change in the thiamin content occurred during the first four days of germination. Ascorbic acid was found to be absent in mature beans but appeared after the start of germination and increased rapidly during the fourday period. An analysis of these results and of those from the literature indicates that soybeans sprouted for two to three days have possibilities for use in high‐energy, high‐protein broiler feed.