ltffect of reconstitution and urea treatInents of bajra grain (Pellnisetum typhoideum) on its chemical and physical characteristics

Abstract

Bajra grain was reconstituted by adding sufficient amount of water to raise the moisture content to 28(,t,. For urea treatments, 1,4,6 and 10% urea (w/w) was dissolved in calculated quantity of water to be added to the grain to raise its moisture content to the same level to that of reconstitution. The untreated. reconstituted and urea treated grain, in triplicate, were stored in oxygen limiting atmosphere in polythene bags for 21 days. Crude protein (ep) of bajra grain increased slightly but nonsignificantly due to reconstitution, however, the significantly (P<0.01) increasing trend of CP was observed in 1,4.6 and 10% urea treated grain. Nitrogen free extract (NFE) content was significantly higher in rtl\V, reconstituted and 1% urea treated grain as compared to other urea treatments. The DM loss was lowest in I% and was highest in 6% urea treated grain. The pH decreased due to reconstitution while urea treatments increased it. Lactic acid increased from 0.39% in raw to 2.21% in reconstituted grain, however, in urea treated grain it was non detectable. Starch content significantly decreased due to reconstitution and urea treatment of grain, whereas total sugars and reducing sugars content increased. Loss of urea nitrogen increased significantly with the increase in urea level. On aeration. fungus appeared in reconstituted grain on sixth day, in 1% urea treated on ninth day, but in 4, 6 and 10% urea treated grain no fungus was visible up to 13 days. Maximum rise in temperature was observed 1 day after incubation of grain and it was maximum 30°C in reconstituted grain and minimum 18°C in 6% urea treated grain. Reconstitution of bajra grain increased its nitrogen solubility, irrespective of the solvents used.