Chickpeas - Feed Ingredient

Chickpeas (Cicer arietinum), also known as garbanzo beans, are a legume crop valued for their high protein and energy content. They are typically included in animal feed as whole, cooked, or ground seeds.

In equine nutrition, chickpeas may be used as an alternative plant-based protein and energy source. They provide a moderate level of digestible protein, complex carbohydrates, and small amounts of fat, along with essential minerals such as phosphorus, iron, and magnesium.

However, raw chickpeas contain anti-nutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, which can interfere with protein digestion and cause gas. These compounds are largely deactivated through heat processing, such as cooking or extrusion.