Evaluation of anti-nutrient and mineral content in different pearl millet varieties

Abstract

Pearl millet is one of the most popular crops in India. It is nutritionally comparable and even superior to major cereals with respect to protein, fat, energy, vitamins & minerals. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate the mineral content and the anti-nutrients present in pearl millet varieties i.e., white grain variety (ICMV-221), hybrids varieties (HHB-226, HHB-223 and HHB-197) and HC-20 variety. Calcium content was highest in HHB-226 and lowest in ICMV-221. No significant differences in calcium content of HHB-197 and HHB-223 was witnessed. Significant (P< 0.05) differences in iron content of different varieties of pearl millet were observed. ICMV-221 contained significantly (P< 0.05) higher zinc content than all the other varieties of pearl millet however, no significant difference in zinc content of HC-20 and HHB-223 as well as HHB-197 and HHB-226 were noticed. The phytic acid and polyphenol content of all pearl millet varieties varied from 620.00 to 875.00 and 304.17 to 438.33 mg/100g.