Changes in micro- and macronutrient composition of pearl millet and white sorghum during in field versus laboratory decortication

Traditional decortication of pearl millet and white sorghum by hand pounding or using a mechanical device were performed in Burkina Faso, and compared to abrasive decortication in the laboratory using the same kernel lots. Using some nutrients as histological markers, the decortication characteristics and nutritional composition (iron, zinc, phytates, lipids, ADF fibres and starch) of decorticated grains were measured. Decortication had numerous effects on grain composition but no significant differences were observed between the two traditional methods of decortication. The effects varied according to the type of grain mainly due to the fact that more germ was removed in sorghum than in millet, as the millet germ is more embedded in the endosperm. During abrasive decortication, zinc and lipid losses increased rapidly due to removal of the germ, particularly in sorghum. Phytates were shown to be located mainly in the bran and germ but also in the endosperm in millet. In both sorghum and millet, half the iron was removed when only 10% of grain DM was abraded. The method of decortication, shock or friction vs. abrasion, influenced the fractions removed and thus the chemical composition of the decorticated kernels.

► We compared traditional and abrasive decortication methods (millet/sorghum).
► Some nutrients (iron, zinc, phytate, lipids…) were used as histological markers.
► A moderate decortication may be suitable for bioavailable micronutrient contents.
► About half of the iron and minor zinc losses occur during moderate decortication.
► Traditional decortication methods often go beyond this optimal decortication level.