Protein utilization of pigmented and nonpigmented brown and milled rices by rats

The protein of pigmented brown rices had similar lysine content as that of nonpigmented brown rices, but it was less digestible in rats. Because of higher biological value, only the purple rice, but not red rice, had lower net protein utilization than two nonpigmented rices. Milling, which removed bran-polish and reduced pigment and phenolic content, improved the digestibility of the pigmented rices.