Characterization of anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY antibodies: a new strategy for neutralization of the detrimental biological activity of SBA.

Anti-soybean agglutinin (SBA) IgY was produced, and its potential to neutralize the haemagglutinating activity of SBA in vitro was tested. Thirty-five-week-old hens [treatment (n = 5) and control (n = 5)] were immunized with SBA or injected with saline 4 times every 15 days. Eggs were collected after the last immunization, and IgY was extracted using the polyethylene glycol (PEG) method. Serum anti-SBA IgY titres in immunized hens increased after the first immunization and reached a plateau between days 45 and 60. In contrast, specific IgY titres in the control group remained at basal levels throughout the evaluation. Average IgY titres were significantly higher in the treatment group on days 15, 30, 45, and 60. Total IgY content in the egg yolk extract was 38.7 ± 1.6 and 37.7 ± 1.5 mg/ml for the treatment and control groups, respectively. The specific anti-SBA IgY titer detected in the egg yolk extract was significantly higher (p < 0.001) for hens in the treatment group compared to the control group, with OD450nm values of 0.98 ± 0.05 and 0.058 ± 0.02, respectively. The specificity of anti-SBA IgY was confirmed by the Western blotting, and the inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro was compared with D-galactose, a known molecule that binds to SBA and blocks its binding to erythrocytes. The inhibition of SBA-induced haemagglutination by the anti-SBA IgY reached 512 units of haemagglutination inhibition (UHI), compared to 8 or 256 UHI, respectively, when IgY from control chickens or D-galactose was used. Thus, anti-SBA IgY antibodies were efficiently produced in large quantities and effectively inhibited SBA-induced haemagglutination in vitro.

Genome-wide identification, characterization, and expression analysis of MIPS family genes in legume species.

BACKGROUND: Evolutionarily conserved in plants, the enzyme D-myo-inositol-3-phosphate synthase (MIPS; EC 5.5.1.4) regulates the initial, rate-limiting reaction in the phytic acid biosynthetic pathway. They are reported to be transcriptional regulators involved in various physiological functions in the plants, growth, and biotic/abiotic stress responses. Even though the genomes of most legumes are fully sequenced and available, an all-inclusive study of the MIPS family members in legumes is still ongoing. RESULTS: We found 24 MIPS genes in ten legumes: Arachis hypogea, Cicer arietinum, Cajanus cajan, Glycine max, Lablab purpureus, Medicago truncatula, Pisum sativum, Phaseolus vulgaris, Trifolium pratense and Vigna unguiculata. The total number of MIPS genes found in each species ranged from two to three. The MIPS genes were classified into five clades based on their evolutionary relationships with Arabidopsis genes. The structural patterns of intron/exon and the protein motifs that were conserved in each gene were highly group-specific. In legumes, MIPS genes were inconsistently distributed across their genomes. A comparison of genomes and gene sequences showed that this family was subjected to purifying selection and the gene expansion in MIPS family in legumes was mainly caused by segmental duplication. Through quantitative PCR, expression patterns of MIPS in response to various abiotic stresses, in the vegetative tissues of various legumes were studied. Expression pattern shows that MIPS genes control the development and differentiation of various organs, and have significant responses to salinity and drought stress. CONCLUSION: The MIPS genes in the genomes of legumes have been identified, characterized and their expression was analysed. The findings pave way for understanding their molecular functions and evolution, and lead to identify the putative MIPS genes associated with different cell and tissue development.

Nutritional quality and physicochemical properties of biscuit from composite flour of wheat, African yam bean and tigernut.

This study investigated the effect of the supplementation of wheat flour with flour blends of African yam bean (AYB) and tigernut for the production of biscuits and evaluated the sensory characteristics. The composite flours were of ratio 70:25:5 (TWB), 70:20:10 (ATW), 70:15:15 (BTT) for wheat: AYB: tigernut, respectively, while 100 % wheat flour served as control (WTY). The composite flour samples were analyzed for proximate, functional and pasting properties. The physical and chemical properties and sensory attributes of the developed biscuits were carried out. The moisture, protein, fat, ash, crude fiber, carbohydrate, and energy contents of the composite flour ranged from 6.63 to 8.13 %, 11.22-18.36 %, 13.27-19.15 %, 0.98-0.99 %, 3.96-7.43 %, 59.97-62.55 % and 400.89 to 410.40 Kcal/100g, respectively. The results showed that protein fat, ash and crude fiber of the biscuit were improved. The water and oil absorption capacity of composite flour was low while the pasting properties of the composite flour blends reduced as the AYB flour increased. All the composite flour blend biscuit samples possessed high essential nutrients and antioxidant potential. All the biscuits samples were accepted by the panelists, however, sample BTT (70 % wheat flour+15 % AYB flour+ 15 % tigernut flour) was most accepted in appearance, aroma, taste, crispness and overall acceptability. Therefore, biscuits from the flour blends of wheat, AYB and tigernut could be nutritionally beneficial and good for adults.

Extrusion as a tool to enhance the nutritional and bioactive potential of cereal and legume by-products.

Cereal and legume by-products obtained from primary food production industries pose an environmental and economic problem. Nevertheless, these residues can potentially yield value-added products due to their elevated content of dietary fiber, phytochemicals, vitamins, minerals, and residual levels of proteins, which makes them a suitable and heightened option for reutilization in human consumption. Several studies identify extrusion as an innovative technology to modify the technofunctionality and nutritional properties of cereal and legume by-products, resulting in the production of improved ingredients. This review focuses on studies that evaluate the effect of extrusion to improve the nutritional and bioactive potential of cereal and legume by-products. A revision of the extrusion process parameters that improve the profile and bioavailability of dietary fiber, proteins, and phenolic compounds, and minimize antinutritional factors associated to cereal and legume by-products was done. The composition of by-products and process parameters such as feed moisture, barrel temperature and screw speed influence the resulting effect of extrusion. Studies suggest that extruding composite feedstock containing cereal or legume by-products may limit the molecular modifications that trigger the nutritional improvements. Therefore, extrusion applied as a pretreatment represents an interesting and economic alternative to improve the profile and bioavailability of the nutrients found in cereal and legume by-products which might lead to the development of functional ingredients useful to produce foods aimed to prevent chronic diseases.

Label-Free Quantification by Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry of the Kunitz Inhibitor of Trypsin KTI3 in Soy Products.

The greater awareness of consumers regarding the sustainability of food chains has shifted part of the consumption from animal protein sources to vegetable sources. Among these, of relevance both for human food use and for animal feed, is soy. However, its high protein content is unfortunately accompanied by the presence of antinutritional factors, including Kunitz's trypsin inhibitor (KTI). Now there are few analytical methods available for its direct quantification, as the inhibitory activity against trypsin is generically measured, which however can be given by many other molecules and undergo numerous interferences. Therefore, in this work, a direct label-free liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method for the identification and quantification of trypsin Kunitz inhibitor KTI3 in soybean and derivative products has been developed. The method is based on the identification and quantification of a marker peptide, specific for the protein of interest. Quantification is achieved with an external calibration curve in the matrix, and the limit of detection and the limit of quantification of the method are 0.75 and 2.51 µg/g, respectively. The results of the LC-MS method were also compared with trypsin inhibition measured spectrophotometrically, highlighting the complementarity of these two different pieces of information.

Correlating the morphology of Anacardium occidentale L. fruits from 30 orchards with their physicochemical and nutritional properties.

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) is a cross-pollinating plant whose fruit consists of two parts, the nut, and the apple. This study aimed to carry out agro-morphological characteristics of cashew fruits to establish relationships with their physicochemical and nutritional properties. Thirty (30) cashew accessions fruits were sampled in different regions of Burkina Faso. The length, width, thickness, weight, yield, kernel output ratio (KOR), proximate composition, specific minerals, phenolic compounds, and anti-nutritional factors were assessed. Evaluations were made using standard methods. The results showed significant variations in agro-morphological, physicochemical and nutritional traits depending on the accessions and the organ. Also, the ratio of apple mass versus nut one was about 12.24 ± 1.24. Kernels are an important source of proteins, fat, total phenolic compounds, and flavonoids, with average contents of 22.84 ± 1.25 g/100 g, 51.65 ± 2.54 g/100 g, 9.78 ± 2.15 mg GAE/g, and 6.24 ± 12.15 mg QE/g, respectively. As for the apples, they contained substantial quantities of Potassium, Phosphorus, Chlorine, and Magnesium with contents of 611.24 ± 14.5 mg/100 g, 418.24 ± 16.47 mg/100 g, 332.24 ± 10.54 mg/100 g, and 224.95 ± 13.15 mg/100 g, respectively. Statistical analyses showed that mineral and phytate contents were positively correlated to cashew apples while phenolic compounds and tannins were strongly correlated with walnuts. Principal component analyses showed three groups of accessions based on apples and kernels characteristics. These data showed a direct relationship between cashew physicochemical, nutritional potentials, kernels, and apples' agro-morphological characteristics. These data constitute an important basis for the identification of cashew accessions with high nutritional and economic potential.

Effect of germination, roasting, and variety on physicochemical, techno-functional, and antioxidant properties of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) protein isolate powder.

Chickpeas are a very important part of the human diet due to their nutritional and bioactive composition. Ethiopia is one of the top chickpea producers and consumers of chickpea-based products daily. However, limited studies were conducted on the effect of common processing methods, roasting and germination, on techno-functional and nutritional properties of chickpea protein isolates. Two varieties of chickpea, Arerti (Kabuli type) and Natoli (Desi type), were selected and treated with different roasting temperature (150 and 180 °C) and germination time (24, 48, and 72 h). The protein was isolated with alkaline-solubilization followed by isoelectric precipitation. Freeze-dried isolates were investigated for proximate composition, techno-functional properties, antioxidant properties, and antinutritional content. Chickpea protein isolates (CPIs) mean protein content was between 79.72 and 87.43%, comparatively lower for those from roasted and higher for those from germinated chickpea. Mean values of CPIs' water holding capacity (WHC), oil holding capacity (OHC), protein solubility (PS), foaming capacity (FC), and Emulsifying capacity (EC) for both varieties were in a range of 1.07-2.47 g/g, 1.40-2.21 g/g, 43.88-69.99%, 14.00-94.00%, and 56.44-84.16%, respectively. Roasting at 150 °C improved most of the techno-functional properties (WHC, OHC, PS, and FC) while roasting at 180 °C negatively affected almost all the techno-functional properties. Both heat treatments significantly increased the antioxidant properties of the isolates. Germination for 72 h was the best treatment in improving all antioxidant properties. CPIs from treated chickpea had lower antinutritional content than those from native chickpea except for phytate on Natoli variety where no statistical difference (p > 0.05) was observed. The finding showed that based on the intended use the different techno-functional properties of the isolates can be altered by applying those treatments. Proximate, techno-functional, antioxidant, and antinutritional characters indicated that CPIs can be a good ingredient for the food industry to formulate functional foods.

Soybean glycinin impaired immune function and caused inflammation associated with PKC-ζ/NF-κb and mTORC1 signaling in the intestine of juvenile grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella).

Glycinin is a major protein and antinutritional factor of soybean. However, how dietary glycinin affect intestinal immune function of fish were largely unknown. In this study, we used juvenile grass carp as a model to investigate the impacts of glycinin on intestinal immune function of fish and involved mechanisms. We set three treatments including control, glycinin and glycinin + glutamine in this trial. For immune components, results revealed that compared with control group, glycinin group had lower acid phosphatase activities in the foregut, midgut and hindgut, lower C3 and C4 content, and lower mRNA abundances of IgM, IgZ, hepcidin, LEAP-2A, LEAP-2B and ß-defensin-1 in the midgut and hindgut rather than foregut of grass carp. For pro-inflammatory cytokines and relevant signaling, glycinin elevated mRNA abundances of IL-1ß, IL-8, IL-12p35, IL-12p40 and IL-17D in the midgut and IL-1ß, IFN-γ2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-12p35, IL-12p40 and IL-17D in the hindgut, and increased protein abundances of PKC-ζ and nuclear NF-κB p65 in the midgut and hindgut in comparison to control. For anti-inflammatory cytokines and relevant signaling, glycinin reduced mRNA abundances of TGF-ß1, TGF-ß2, IL-4/13B (rather than IL-4/13A), IL-10 and IL-11 in the midgut and hindgut, and reduced p-mTOR (Ser 2448), p-S6K1 (Thr 389) and p-4EBP1 (Thr 37/46) protein abundances in the midgut and hindgut rather than foregut. Co-administration of glutamine with glycinin could partially enhance intestinal function and reduce intestinal inflammation compared with glycinin treatment. Concluded, glycinin decreased intestinal immune components and caused intestinal inflammation associated with PKC-ζ/NF-κB and mTORC1 signaling.

Extrusion and nixtamalization conditions influence the magnitude of change in the nutrients and bioactive components of cereals and legumes.

Cereal and legume diets make up the bulk of caloric sources for a majority of households in the developing world. They contain macro- and micronutrients as well as phytochemicals embedded as one matrix. Some phytochemicals are antinutritional factors which can bind nutrients thereby hindering their bioavailability. While there are other methods that can be used to enhance nutrient utilization from such foods, we summarize how food processing methods such as extrusion and nixtamalization are employed to break the food matrix and release these nutrients. Both extrusion and nixtamalization can break down complex carbohydrates into simpler, more soluble forms while at the same time inactivating or denaturing protein inhibitors and other antinutritional factors. Such disruptions of complexes within the food matrix are essential for harnessing optimum nutritional and health benefit from these foods. We present mechanistic approaches explaining how these processes enhance nutrient and mineral bioavailability and phytochemical bioactivity while minimizing the undesirable effects of antinutritional factors that coexist in the complex food matrix.

Carbohydrases and phytase with rice bran, effects on amino acid digestibility and energy use in broiler chickens.

Protein sources from cereals are used in broiler diets, usually in order to reduce feeding costs. However, their efficient use in poultry diets is limited by the level of fiber whose compounds are resistant to digestion in the small intestine; due to this sugars are not digested by endogenous poultry enzymes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of multi-carbohydrase (MC) and phytase (Phy) on the total retention of nutrients, retention of apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen (AMEN) (trial 1) and apparent and standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids (trial 2) of rice bran (RB). A total of 245-day-old male broilers (Cobb 500) was distributed at 21-day-old in a completely randomized design in a 2 × 2 + 1 (0 and 200 mg/kg MC; 0 and 50 mg/kg Phy, and basal diet - BD) factorial arrangement of treatments, to give seven replicates and seven birds per replicate. The BD based on corn (trial 1) and cornstarch and casein (trial 2) was used only to determine the coefficients of retention of nutrients and energy, and coefficients of digestibility of amino acids of the RB. The test diets were made by mixing BD and RB 7 : 3 wt/wt basis. There was interaction (P<0.05) between MC × Phy for DM, nitrogen and AMEN, retention and no interaction (P>0.05) for ash, calcium, phosphorous and NDF was observed. Enzymes interacted (P<0.05) on standardized ileal digestibility of arginine, histidine, leucine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, valine, aspartic acid, glutamic acid, proline and serine. Dietary combination of MC and Phy resulted in higher (P<0.05) standardized digestibility of arginine, histidine, methionine and threonine relative to single enzyme supplementation or control diet without enzymes. Enzyme isolated inclusions in the diets improved (P<0.05) standardized digestibility of methionine. The supplementation of carbohydrases and Phy in RB will improve the nitrogen, energy and amino acids utilization for broiler chickens.

Chemical Utilization of Albizia lebbeck Leaves for Developing Protein Concentrates as a Dietary Supplement.

In search of nonconventional sources of protein to combat widespread malnutrition, the possibility of developing a protein concentrate as an alternative dietary supplement from abundantly available yet poorly valorized leaves of Albizia lebbeck (siris) was examined. A process for recovery of leaf protein concentrate (LPC) from these leaves was optimized and applied for isolation of LPCs from lower, middle, and upper canopies of the tree. The optimized conditions (leaves to water 1:9, coagulation at pH 4.0 using 1 N citric acid at 90°C for 11 minutes) afforded LPCs containing protein 37.15%, 37.57%, and 37.76% in 5.99%, 5.97%, and 6.07% yield, respectively. The proximate nutritional composition, pigments, minerals, in vitro digestibility, and antinutritional factors of these LPCs were determined. Analysis of variance of these data revealed no significant difference with respect to canopy. Use of Albizia lebbeck leaves for development of LPC as a food/feed supplement was revealed.

Avaliação de diferentes processos de destoxificação sobre o valor nutricional e energético da torta de mamona para suínos / Evaluation of different detoxification procedures on nutritional and energy value of castor bean cake for pigs

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o valor nutricional e energético da torta de mamona destoxificada por diferentes métodos para suínos em crescimento. Foram utilizados 24 suínos machos, castrados, distribuídos em seis tratamentos, sendo uma ração referência e cinco rações testes (75% da dieta referência e 25% das tortas de mamona) contendo a torta de mamona destoxificada pelos métodos do hidróxido de cálcio, da autoclavagem, do hidróxido de cálcio+ensilagem, da autoclavagem+ensilagem e da extrusão. As tortas de mamona submetidas aos processos de destoxificação com hidróxido de cálcio e autoclavagem resultaram em maior teor de proteína digestível. Para o valor de energia metabolizável, os processos de destoxificação com hidróxido de cálcio, autoclavagem, hidróxido de cálcio+ensilagem e extrusão não diferiram entre si. Considerando-se a valoração nutricional e energética da torta de mamona por meio dos processos de destoxificação, os métodos com uso de hidróxido de cálcio e autoclavagem são os mais eficientes.(AU)

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutritional and energy value of castor bean cake detoxified by different methods for growing pigs. A total of 24 barrows was distributed in six treatments, being in a reference diet and 5 test diets (75% of the reference diet and 25% of castor beam cake) containing castor bean cake detoxified by the method of calcium hydroxide, autoclaving, calcium hydroxide + silage, autoclaving + silage and extrusion. Castor bean cake subjected to detoxification processes with calcium hydroxide and autoclaving resulted in higher content of digestible protein. For the metabolizable energy value, the process of detoxification with calcium hydroxide, autoclaving, calcium hydroxide+silage, and extrusion did not differ. Considering the nutritional and energy valuation of castor bean cake detoxified by different procedures, the methods using calcium hydroxide and autoclaving were the most efficient.

Effects of gossypol from cottonseed cake on the blood profile in sheep.

Cottonseed cake contains gossypol, a potentially toxic compound that, when consumed by sheep, can affect reproduction, the immune system, and the liver. Changes in hematologic and serum biochemical parameters were monitored for 63 days in 12 Santa Inês ewes, six of which received ration containing 400 g kg(-1) of cottonseed cake. Blood samples were collected at the start of the experiment and weekly thereafter for hematologic assessment and determination of serum urea, creatinine, total protein, and albumin concentrations and for measurement of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyl transferase activities. No clinical signs of toxicity were observed. Evaluation of the erythron showed that sheep consuming cottonseed cake had an increased packed cell volume (p < 0.05) and increased erythrocyte counts and hemoglobin concentrations (p < 0.05) in the leukogram and serum biochemistry panel. In conclusion, consumption of 400 g kg(-1) cottonseed cake by sheep for 63 days may induce changes in the erythron but no consistent changes in serum biochemical parameters, indicating no damage to the liver or kidneys.

Optimization of soybean processing into kinema, a Bacillus-fermented alkaline food, with respect to a minimum level of antinutrients.

AIMS: Optimization of traditional processing of soybeans using response surface methodology (RSM) to achieve a minimum level of antinutritional factors (ANFs) in kinema. METHODS AND RESULTS: Central composite rotatable designs were used to optimize the processing stages of kinema preparation. In each stage, the linear or quadratic effects of independent variables were significant in minimizing ANF levels. The predicted optimum condition for soaking was when the raw beans-water ratio was 1 : 10, and the soaking temperature, time and pH were 10°C, 20 h and 8·0 respectively. Here, tannins content (TC), phytic acid content (PAC) and trypsin inhibitor activity (TIA) decreased (P < 0·05). While haemagglutinating activity (HA) level remained unchanged (P < 0·05), total biogenic amines content (TBAC) increased. The optimum condition for cooking was optimally soaked beans-water ratio of 1 : 5, and cooking pressure and time were 1·10 kg cm(-2) and 20 min respectively. Here, TC, PAC, TIA and HA decreased (P < 0·05), but TBAC remained unchanged compared to optimally soaked beans. TC and HA went below the level of detection. The optimum condition for fermentation was obtained when inoculum load was 10(3) total cells g(-1) grits, and fermentation temperature and time were 37°C and 48 h respectively. Fermentation of optimally cooked beans caused a reduction (P < 0·05) of PAC. While TIA remained unchanged (P < 0·05), TBAC increased. In kinema, TC, PAC, TIA and HA decreased (P < 0·05) over raw beans by 100, 61, 71 and 100% respectively. Good agreement was observed between predicted values and experimental values. CONCLUSIONS: The processing treatments significantly minimized the level of ANFs in soybeans. SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY: RSM was successfully deployed to obtain the optimum condition for kinema-making with a minimum level of ANFs without impairing sensory attributes of the product. The results are useful for commercial production of kinema.

Bile enhances glucose uptake, reduces permeability, and modulates effects of lectins, trypsin inhibitors and saponins on intestinal tissue.

Antinutritional factors (ANFs) can disrupt digestive and other intestinal functions. ANFs in soybean meal (SBM) are implicated in proliferative and inflammatory responses in the intestine of various (functionally) monogastric animals, including Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar L.). The goal of the current study was to investigate the effect of ex vivo exposure of mid and distal intestinal tissue of salmon to soybean saponins (SAP), lectin (LEC) and Kunitz' trypsin inhibitor (KTI), singly and in combination, on epithelial function, as assessed by measuring in vitro glucose uptake pathways along a glucose concentration gradient. As solubilization of SAP in the calcium-containing Ringer's solution was problematic but resolved with the addition of a physiological concentration of bile collected from the gall bladder of salmon, an evaluation of bile effects became an added element. Results indicated that bile increased baseline glucose absorption and possibly transport, and also had a protective effect on the epithelial barrier, at least partially due to taurocholate. Compared to controls, tissues exposed to LEC+bile, KTI+bile and LEC+KTI+bile exhibited increased glucose uptake at the higher glucose concentrations, apparently due to markedly increased tissue permeability. Addition of SAP, however, attenuated the response, possibly by binding bile components. SAP+bile, also in combination with LEC and/or KTI, as well as LEC, KTI and LEC+KTI without bile often reduced transcellular glucose uptake pathways, while maintaining low tissue permeability. SAP+LEC+KTI+bile, LEC and KTI caused the most marked reductions. The distal intestine was more affected, reflecting the restriction of in vivo SBM-induced inflammatory changes to this region.

Avaliação nutricional de soja integral desativada e desempenho de leitões na fase de creche / Nutritional evaluation of disabled whole soybean and performance of piglets on nurse phase

Dois experimentos foram realizados para determinar o valor nutricional e verificar o desempenho de leitões dos 6 aos 15kg, alimentados com dietas que continham dois tipos de soja integral desativada, caracterizada pela presença (SC) ou não de casca (SS). No ensaio de digestibilidade total, foram utilizados 15 leitões machos, castrados, com média de peso inicial de 7,36±1,71kg, alojados em gaiolas de metabolismo. Exceto para energia bruta (EB), não foram observadas diferenças entre tratamentos nos coeficientes de digestibilidade da matéria seca, da proteína bruta, do extrato etéreo e da matéria orgânica, e no coeficiente de metabolização da EB entre as duas sojas avaliadas. Os teores de energia digestível e energia metabolizável na matéria natural para SC e SS foram: 3.979 e 4.300kcal/kg; 3.768 e 4.111kcal/kg, respectivamente. No experimento de desempenho, foram utilizados 56 leitões, desmamados aos 21 dias de idade, com média de peso inicial de 6,19±0,67kg. Neste experimento, os leitões receberam os dois tipos de soja integral desativada em três porcentagens de inclusão. Não foram observadas diferenças para as variáveis de desempenho com a inclusão da soja desativada às dietas. Concluiu-se que os tipos e as porcentagens de inclusão da soja podem ser utilizados na dieta de leitões.

Two experiments were carried out to determine the nutritional value and to verify the piglets performance from 6 to 15kg, fed diets with two types of disabled whole soybeans characterized by shell presence (CS) or not (SS). In the digestibility assay 15 castrated male piglets were used, with average weight of 7.36±1.71kg, housed in metabolism cages. Except for gross energy (EB), no differences between treatments were observed for the dry matter digestibility, crude protein, ether extract and organic matter, and for the coefficient of metabolism of EB between the two soybeans evaluated. The values of digestible energy (DE), as well the metabolizable energy (ME) on fed basis for SC and SS were: 3,979 and 4,300kcal/kg, 3,768 and 4,111kcal/kg, respectively. In the performance experiment 56 weaned piglets were used, at 21 days of age with initial body weight of 6.19±0.67kg. No differences were observed in the performance variables with the inclusion of SS and SC disabled soybeans in the diets, concluding that the studied soybeans can be used for piglet diets.