Productive and Qualitative Traits of Amaranthus Cruentus L.: An Unconventional Healthy Ingredient in Animal Feed

摘要

(red amaranth) can be considered a very interesting crop for its high nutritional and functional value. In this study, agronomic traits, oil content, fatty acid composition, quality indices, antioxidant activity, and total phenolic compounds were studied on eight accessions grown in Southern Italy. Data showed a valuable seed yield (0.27 kg/m , on average) comparable to the main cereals used for animal feeding, a higher oil content compared to that of conventional cereals such as maize with a fatty acid profile composed approximately for the 60% of unsaturated fatty acids, and a valuable antioxidant potential and phenolic compounds that are far superior to corn and wheat. The studied seed-oil composition revealed a high content of essential fatty acid n-6 (linoleic acid) and n-9 (oleic acid). Therefore, this species can be used as pseudo-cereals to balance the animal diet according to animal species requirements and to the different metabolic pathways of unsaturated fatty acids in ruminants and monogastrics. In conclusion, may be of potential value as an oilseed crop of importance to areas of the Mediterranean and a high-quality alternative feed ingredient to traditional cereal grains.