Physico-chemical and anti-nutritional properties of some lesser known tree and leguminous seeds

Abstract

Seeds of Adansonia digitata, Voandzeia subterranean (L.) Thouars, Bilighia sapida, Entada africana, Leucana leucocephala and Mucuna preta were evaluated for their nutritional quality and possible inclusion in ruminant diet. The seeds were analysed for their proximate composition, fibre fractions, mineral composition, energy value and the anti-nutritional factors. The results revealed that the seeds contained between 10.5 and 41.4% crude protein, 7.5 and 22.5% ether extract, 15.5 and 19.5% crude fibre, 17.0 and 39.0% acid detergent fibre, 41.0 and 84.0% neutral detergent fibre and 4.38 and 5.46 kcal/100 g ME. It was also observed that the sodium content was between 0.10 and 0.30 mg/100 g, 1.9 and 15.5 mg/100 g calcium, 8.95 and 46.10 mg/100 g magnesium while the potassium was between 8.95 and 45.15 mg/100 g and the iron content falls between 0.17 and 0.95 mg/100 g. Some anti-nutritional factors (tannin and saponin) were detected and quantified. In conclusion, all the seed samples are potential good sources of dietary energy, protein and mineral content in livestock diet. © 2008 Academic Journals Inc.