Topics:
Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher
Source of Kunitz Inhibitor
Kunitz inhibitor is present in:
- GNC (Groundnut cake)
- Soybean — Correct Answer
- Fish meal
- Sunflower oil cake
Explanation:
Correct Answer: Soybean
The Kunitz inhibitor (also known as Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor or KTI) is found in soybean. It is one of two major trypsin inhibitors in soybean, the other being the Bowman-Birk inhibitor (BBI). Both inhibit the digestive enzyme trypsin, reducing protein digestibility and growth performance in monogastric animals.
Trypsin Inhibitors in Soybean
| Inhibitor | Source | Molecular Weight |
|---|---|---|
| Kunitz Trypsin Inhibitor (KTI) | Soybean | ~21 kDa |
| Bowman-Birk Inhibitor (BBI) | Soybean | ~8 kDa |
Anti-Nutritional Factors in Soybean
| Anti-Nutritional Factor | Effect | Detoxification |
|---|---|---|
| Trypsin inhibitor (KTI + BBI) | Inhibits trypsin → poor protein digestion → pancreatic hypertrophy | Autoclaving (121°C/15 lbs/15 min) |
| Anti-Vitamin A | Destroys Vitamin A | Autoclaving |
| Anti-Vitamin D | Impairs Vitamin D activity | Autoclaving |
Why Other Options Are Wrong
- GNC (Groundnut cake) → contains Aflatoxin (not Kunitz inhibitor); treated with NH₃/NH₄OH.
- Fish meal → contains trimethylamine oxide and thiaminase in raw fish; no trypsin inhibitor.
- Sunflower oil cake → contains chlorogenic acid and some protease inhibitors, but Kunitz inhibitor is specifically from soybean.
📚 About this Topic — Animal Nutrition
This multiple choice question is from Animal Nutrition, Animal Refresher. It has 4 options with a detailed explanation of the correct answer. Practice more MCQs from Animal Nutrition to strengthen your preparation.
