Abstract
The effect of gamma irradiation of two peanut cultivars (Sodari and Madani) on protein content, in vitro protein digestibility and availability of calcium, phosphorus and iron was determined. Seeds were treated with gamma irradiation at dose levels of 1.0, 1.5 and 2.0kGy. Total protein in seeds was not changed significantly by irradiation. However, the in vitro protein digestibility was decreased for both cultivars. In addition, the irradiation also caused an increment on the available calcium, phosphorus and iron for both cultivars. Moreover, radiation processing caused an increment on tannin content of the seeds especially at the dose 2kGy for both cultivars. Regarding these results, irradiation treatment of peanut up to 2kGy can be used as an effective alternative method to chemical treatments for insect disinfestation and microbial disinfection.
•Gamma irradiation had influence on in vitro protein digestibility and minerals availability of peanut.•Total mineral and protein content of peanut were not changed after treatments.•The treatment decreased the in vitro protein digestibility of peanut.•The irradiation of peanut resulted in increment of its minerals availability.