Location: Plant Science Research
Project Number: 5062-21500-001-001-N
Project Type: Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement
Start Date: Mar 1, 2024
End Date: Feb 28, 2027
Objective:
The overall goal of this project is to characterize alfalfa proteins and evaluate the potential of value of the by-products from the protein extraction process. This goal will be accomplished by the following objectives: 1) Isolate alfalfa proteins using various extraction methods and determine the impact on structural properties; 2) Isolate alfalfa proteins from 5 unique lines and characterize the protein functionality, nutrition, flavor and lipid profile; and 3) Quantify waste products, including the fiber mat, of the protein extraction process for other nutritional, pharmaceutical, and animal uses.
Approach:
Agency will be involved in Objective #3 to quantify waste products, including the fiber mat, of the protein extraction process for other nutritional, pharmaceutical, and animal uses. The full benefit of alfalfa has not been realized due to the poor understanding of all metabolites present, some of which have been described as anti-nutrients by the livestock industry. Each of these waste samples of alfalfa protein, from Objective 2, will be assessed for saponins, isoflavones and phytoestrogens for value-added products. These secondary compound concentrations will be compared to direct plant sample extractions for each specific compound to determine yield loss during extraction. When alfalfa is juiced, a fiber mat is formed, which has nutritional value for ruminates. To evaluate what potential nutritional value the fiber mat contains, 25 genetically diverse lines will be juiced and the fiber mat will be screened for dietary fiber digestibility (IVNDFD, NDF, & ADF) and other nutritive components. These quality traits will then be used to calculate overall forage quality indices used by the forage market e.g., TFN, RFV and RFQ. In turn these indices can be used to calculate the potential economic value the fiber mat “waste” in the protein extraction process has to processors.
