PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON MILLIPEDE: PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, NUTRITIONALLY VALUABLE MINERALS AND PHYTATE CONTENTS

Abstract

The nutritive potential of millipede was evaluated with respect to its proximate composition, energy value, mineral and phytate contents. It contained 24.85g/100g DM crude protein, crude fibre 4.88g/100g DM while ash was 2.23g/100g DM. The sample had low level of fat (5.20/100g DM). The energy level was 397.56Kcal. The concentration of Ca, K, Mg, Na, Cl and I were found to be high whereas Zn, Fe and Mn were low. The levels of phytate and phytate phosphorus were generally high and the sample had more than 80% of its total phosphorus linked to phytate. The phytate: Zn molar ratio of the sample was relatively low, indicating excellent Zn bioavailability. Based on the results, it is suggested that nutritional potentials of millipede should be harnessed.


KEY WORDS: Millipede, proximate composition, minerals, phytate, bioavailability.


Global Journal of Agricultural Sciences Vol.2(2) 2003: 68-71