Nutritive value of leaf-protein concentrate from potato haulm for rats and chicks

A leaf-protein concentrate (LPC), containing approximately 45% protein, was prepared from potato haulm by standard methods. Its content of essential amino acids was similar to that recommended for chicken diets, except for the sulphur-containing amino acids, especially cystine. The biological value estimated in rats was high (64), almost as high as that of soya protein (65), but its true digestibility was lower (82 and 91, respectively). The concentrate contained carotenoids (295 mg/kg), but these were not converted into vitamin A in chicks. Leaf-protein concentrate may be a usable protein source for chicks, provided that not more than 25% of it is included in their diet.