Characterization of Pearl Millet Cultivars for Proximate Composition, Minerals and Anti-Nutritional Contents

Three pearl millet cultivars: Shanti (RHRBH 9808), Dhanshakti (ICTP 8203 Fe10-2) and Pioneer 86M64 were used in this study. Investigations showed that pearl millet contained 11.21–12.43% moisture, 2.05–2.72% ash, 5.14–5.96% fat, 10.97–11.65% protein, 2.07–2.63% crude fibre and 66.49–68.85% carbohydrates. Pearl millet was found to be rich in minerals. Mineral contents in pearl millet varied from 40.07–42.67 mg/100g calcium, 255.67–327.82 mg/100g phosphorus and 5.08–8.12 mg/100g iron. The phytic acid, tanninandpolyphenol contents varied from 566.67–618.85 mg/100g, 225.68–232.71 mg/100g and 403.59–445.38 mg/100g respectively. the colour values of pearl millet varied among the cultivars.