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Published:
Nov 16, 2015Keywords:
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Chemical and nutrition evaluation of the seed kernel of <i>Balanites aegyptiaca</i>
Abstract
The seed kernel of Balanites Aegyptiaca has been evaluated chemically and nutritionally. The crude protein, crude fat and total carbohydrate content of the seed kernel were 35.26g, 48.82g and 12.56g per 100g dry weight respectively. The caloric value was 630.66cal per 100g dry weight. The seed is a rich source of potassium, calcium and iron. Amino acid analysis of the seed showed high levels of leucine, Isoleucine, threonine, cycteine, phenylalanine and lysine. Metheonine seemed to be the limiting amino acid with a chemical score of 34.10%. The protein efficiency ration (PER) and net protein ratio (NPR) for the boiled seed kernel (0.18 and 1.09 respectively) were significantly higher (P<0.05) than the values for unboiled seed kernel (-0.61 and 0.40 respectively). The seed kernel may be a good source of protein in livestock feeds.
KEY WORD: Balanites aegyptiaca, seed kernel, chemical composition, Amino acid
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