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Amino Acid Composition of Cicer Milkvetch Forage¹

Cicer milkvetch (Astragalus cicer L.) is a hardy and persistent forage legume that has potential in some regions of western Canada. This study was undertaken to determine the amino acid composition and protein quality of cicer milkvetch in comparison with that of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Samples of both legumes were harvested at the mid- to late-bud stage of growth from a replicated field test on an Orthic Dark Brown Chernozem soil developed on alluvial parent material (Lethbridge loam). Samples were dried at 70 C for 20 hours and then analyzed for 18 amino acids. The limiting amino acid in both legumes is methionine. The protein score, an estimation of protein quality for monogastric animals, was calculated for both forage legumes. It was 67 for cicer milkvetch and 70 for alfalfa relative to 100 for "ideal protein", as defined by FAO-WHO Expert Group (1965). Therefore, the nutritional quality of cicer milkvetch protein is similar to that of alfalfa as a supplement to cereal proteins for monogastric animals.

Key Words: Protein score • Protein quality • Alfalfa

² Research scientists, Research Station, Agriculture Canada, Lethbridge, Alberta.

Received for publication June 10, 1977.