INFLUENCE OF AUTOCLAVING ON THE EFFECTS OF Lathyrus sativus FED TO CHICKS

Abstract
The performance of chicks fed 82% (wt/wt) Lathyrus sativus (lathyrus) was significantly improved (P < 0.05) after autoclaving the seeds for as little as 5 min, but the improvement was greater with longer treatment times. Analysis of autoclaved seeds also showed a steady reduction in the concentration of the neurotoxin .beta.-N-oxalyl-amino-L-alanine (BOAA) in lathyrus as autoclaving time increased. This may account for much of the improvement seen in chick performance.