Potato protein

Description

In the process of extracting the starch from potatoes, a juice naturally rich in proteins is produced. The isolated proteins are dried, resulting in a free-flowing powder of high natural protein content (78%) and high biological value. The fat and ash content are approximately 3% each, and carbohydrates are minimal. 

Properties

Potato protein has some features such as elevated protein content, favourable amino acid profile and low ash levels. Lysine, threonine, methionine, leucine, phenylalanine and total essential amino acid concentrations are greater for potato proteins than those found in soy protein concentrate. It meets not only the horse’s needs for essential amino acids, but additionally provides a source of non-essential amino acids allowing a “sparing effect” making available all the necessary amino acids for protein deposition as muscle. Potato proteins have a very good nutritional value, equal to that of egg. Their digestibility in the small intestine is high (with an average of 85%) in the form of short peptides, the most bio-available form of proteins in equines. There is practically no residual protein causing fermentation in colon, avoiding digestive upset. It is also reputed to be hypoallergenic.

Possible uses

Potato protein concentrate is beneficial for muscle growth and preparation to exertion. Using potato protein-containing diets was reported to sustain performance of weanling animals. It is an interesting protein source to add in the diet of growing horses, young horses during early training, athletic horses during training and competition periods, convalescent horses with a loss of muscle or older horses with difficulties to eat and digest proteins.