Effect of Chemical Content and Physical Characteristics on Nutritional Value of Wheat Varieties Collected from Thrace Region

Abstract

In poultry feed industry, wheat ranks as the second most important grain after maize. The inclusion level of wheat in poultry diets depends on its nutritional composition as well as on the content of antinutritional factors. The importance of these factors may vary not only depending on variety of wheat but also on the geographic location where the grain produced. The aim of the present study was to compare the nutritional values of wheat varieties collected from Thrace region (Kirklareli, Edirne, Tekirdag) with respect to poultry nutrition. The present study demonstrated that crude protein content of the wheat varieties from 12.39, 13.68, and 15.83%, respectively and the difference, in this respect, among the three province were significant (P<0.01). Crude fiber values were found to be significantly (P<0.05) different either, being to 2.93, 2.88, and 3.27%, respectively. Physical characteristics such as one thousand grain weight and hectoliter weight were significantly different (P<0.01). Viscosity values of wheat varieties obtained from Thrace region (Kirklareli, Edirne, Tekirdag) were measured to be 2.52, 2.34 and 2.32 cPs, respectively. However, viscosity values were not significantly different (P>0.05). pH values were found to be significantly (P<0.05) different either, being to 5.51, 5.67, and 5.90, respectively. Significant negative correlations were found between crude fiber and thousand grain weight (r = -0.76), crude ash and hectoliter weight (r = -0.51), whereas significant positive correlations dry matter and crude fiber (r = 0.56) from Kirklareli. Significant negative correlations were found between dry matter and pH (r = -0.82), crude fiber and viscosity (r = -0.57), whereas significant positive correlations dry matter and viscosity (r = 0.62) from Edirne. Significant negative correlations were found between dry matter and thousand grain weight (r = -0.79), dry matter and hectoliter weight (r = -0.67), whereas significant positive correlations thousand grain weight and hectoliter weight (r = 0.87) from Tekirdag. In addition to chemical composition, Physical characteristics such as thousand weight and hectoliter weight might be important in the usage of grains as feedstuffs for poultry.