Nutrients and Phyto-Chemical Assay of African Star Apple Kernel (Chrysophyllum africanum) as Potential Feedstuff in Fish and Livestock Production

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.