Radiosterilization effect on protein component of Selasan milk replacer

Changes were monitored in the protein component of the Selasan milk replacer following irradiation with 25 kGy of 60Co and during 90 days' storage. The content of crude protein showed almost no change after irradiation and during storage. The in vitro digestibility coefficients of crude protein remained unchanged. The total amount of amino acids was 5.8 g.kg-1 less in the irradiated sample. Favourable is the finding of almost identical levels of essential amino acids of lysine and methionine prior to and following irradiation. The content of complementary lysine decreased as a result of irradiation by 6 - 9%. Other indicators of protein disturbance (ammonia, total acidity, indicator of formol titration) were not significantly affected. (author)