Nutrients and Phyto-Chemical Assay of African Star Apple Kernel (Chrysophyllum africanum) as Potential Feedstuff in Fish and Livestock Production
L. A. Agbabiaka *
Department of Animal Science and Fisheries, Imo State University, Owerri, Nigeria.
L. O. Eke
Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede-Owerri, Nigeria.
C. F. Nwankwo
Department of Food Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Nekede-Owerri, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Nutrients assay of raw and fermented African Star Apple seeds were evaluated. The proximate analyses differ (p<0.05) significantly between the raw (RSA) and processed (FSA) Chrysophyllum africanum seed in crude protein, lipid, dietary fibre and soluble carbohydrate. Protein value was 10.13±0.02%, Ash 7.25±0.01%, Crude fat 9.72±0.02% and Soluble carbohydrate 69.45±0.84% for RSA. However, the values of 5.55±0.01%, 14.49±0.76%, 4.94±0.07%, 1.19±0.01% and 51.04±0.08% were recorded for Ash, Crude protein, Crude fat, Crude fibre and Soluble carbohydrate in FSA respectively. Nevertheless, similar observations were recorded in the concentration of phyto-chemicals which decreased in all the parameters in FSA (p<0.05) compared with RSA. The FSA contained relatively higher concentration of minerals than RSA (p>0.05). Generally, there was a significant loss of nutrients in processed seed except crude protein, however, the reduction in the phyto-toxin in FSA may be an encouragement coupled with rich nutrients as a component of animal feed to replace the expensive orthodox energy feedstuff.
Keywords: Nutrients, phytochemicals, star apple, potential, livestock production