Value of Enzyme Supplements in Rations Containing Certain Legume Seed Meals or Gums

Abstract

THE seed of guar (Cyamopsis tetragonolobus) is the source of a gum used in several industries. The remaining seed meal is relatively high in protein. The amino acid content of the guar bean protein (Van Etten et al., 1961) should make guar meal a useful protein supplement for poultry, although its lysine content is too low for a high quality supplement for the chick. Arrington et al. (1955) and Borchers and Ackerson (1950) have reported that the growth rate of rats was low when they were fed rations with guar meal as the protein source. Sathe and Bose (1961) found that guar meal seemed to contain a factor deleterious to growing chickens. Vogt and Penner (1963) reported that feed consumption, weight gain, and feed efficiency were reduced when guar meal replaced soybean meal in broiler rations. When guar meal was offered to a poultry feed manufacturer in this area, a…