The Potentiality of Processed Mango Kernel in Animal Feed
Ameh Omede *
Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, PMB 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
Sunday S. Arogba
Department of Biochemistry, Kogi State University, PMB 1008, Anyigba, Kogi State, Nigeria
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Biological quality of processed mango (Mangifera indica) kernel (PMK) in a 50% substituted commercial feed was evaluated as soluble protein equivalent (spe) in a feeding experiment with albino rats. The methodology employed was novel and involved determination of protein retention using whole uncentrifuged blood sample. The rats of the ‘test’ group showed similar protein efficient ratio (PERspe) with those of ‘control’, despite the difference in total crude protein contents of their diets (11 and 16% respectively). However, higher values of BVspe and NPUspe were observed with the test diet, implying that available essential amino acids there-in supported growth and maintenance better than with the control diet.
Keywords: Mangifera indica, processed mango kernel, soluble protein equivalent, biological quality.