Chemical and bio-chemical studies of new varieties of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) PBNS-12 and PBNS-40 seeds

Seeds of new safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) variety (PBNS-12 and PBNS-40) were analyzed for contents of moisture, crude fiber, lipids, proteins, carbohydrates, minerals, energy, toxic compounds (such as cyanogenic glucoside, tannins and oxalates) and nutritive value. In addition, detailed studies were conducted on the fatty acid composition, protein solubility, and amino acid profile. The results of chemical composition showed that moisture percentage ranged between 6.326 – 7.396 %, crude fibre 0.488 – 1.196 %, total lipid 25.699 – 28.989 %, crude protein 15.91 – 16.14 %, total carbohydrate 45.56 – 48.93 %, ash 3.495 – 3.497, calcium 0.092 – 0.122 %, phosphorus 0.15 – 0.41 %, and energy 490.651 – 507.701 Kcal/100g. Lipid analyses revealed that PBNS-40 variety has higher levels of unsaturated fatty acids (20.62 %) and PBNS-12 variety has higher levels of saturated fatty acids (3.41 %). Amino acid analyses revealed that PBNS-12 and PBNS-40 have higher level of arginine 1.599 % and 1.665 % respectively. The maximum seed proteins of PBNS-12 and PBNS-40 were extracted at pH 12 (9.29 and 9.6 respectively). The toxic factors showed that cyanogenic glucoside, tannins and oxalate content are ranged between 3.458 – 3.730 HCN/100g, 0.511 – 0.530 %, 0.079 – 0.085 % respectively. Haemagglutinin activity and trypsin inhibition was not found in these varieties. The nutritive values were determined for feed utilization average ranged between 5.722 – 5.941%, nitrogen utilization 0.2508 – 0.2571%, protein efficiency ratio (PER) 1.496 – 1.509% and feed efficiency ratio (FER) 0.364 – 0.365% respectively. Based on the data related to nutritive and toxic composition of seeds it appears that both hybrids can be good source of nutrient and energy needs for animal nutrition with little dangers for toxicity.