Question

Which one of the following cereal grains contains a considerable amount of pentosans?

• A. Barley
• B. Maize
• C. Sorghum
• D. Wheat

Hint:

Cereal Non-Starch Polysaccharides (NSPs):
Wheat & Rye $\rightarrow$ PENTOSANS (Arabinoxylans, requires Xylanase).
Barley & Oats $\rightarrow \beta$-GLUCANS (requires $\beta$-Glucanase).

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in cereal grains: wheat and rye contain high levels of soluble and insoluble pentosans (arabinoxylans) that increase digesta viscosity in poultry.
Key Formula or Approach:
\[ \text{Pentosans (Arabinoxylans)} = \beta\text{-(1}\rightarrow\text{4)-D-Xylopyranose Backbone} + \alpha\text{-L-Arabinofuranose Side Chains} \]

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
In poultry feed chemistry and cereal non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs):
1. Wheat (and Rye): Contains high concentrations ($5 - 8\%$) of Pentosans (Arabinoxylans), which are five-carbon hemicellulosic polysaccharides. Soluble pentosans bind large volumes of water in the avian gut, causing high digesta viscosity, sticky droppings, and reduced nutrient absorption (mitigated by dietary xylanase enzyme supplementation).
2. Barley Oats: Rich in $\beta$-Glucans (mixed-linkage $\beta$-(1$\rightarrow$3, 1$\rightarrow$4)-glucans).
3. Maize Sorghum: Contain negligible soluble NSPs.

Step 3: Final Answer:
Therefore, Wheat contains a considerable amount of pentosans, corresponding to option (D).