PROXIMATE, PHYTOCHEMICAL AND MINERAL COMPOSITION OF RAW AND FERMENTED ANCHOMANES DIFFORMIS TUBER (BLUME)

ABSTRACT The proximate, photochemical and mineral composition of the raw and fermented rhizomes of A.difformis samples were comparatively evaluated to be used as a possible source of energy (carbohydrate) in livestock feed. Fresh tuber of A.difformis were collected, fermented, dried and pulverized and made into extracts. Proximate, phytochemical and mineral elements analysis of the materials was carried out in accordance with standard protocols. Data collected were analyzed using student’s t-test and were also expressed in mean standard error. Findings from the study indicate that qualitative phytochemical components of the samples include saponins, tannins, phenolics, flavonoids, steroids, coumarin, terpenoids, glycosides and alkaloids. Quantitative phytochemical results showed that all phytochemical agents tested for were in higher amounts in the raw rhizome than the fermented rhizome when compared which differed significantly between the raw and the fermented rhizomes(P0.05). For mineral element analysis, the result showed that there is no significant different between the raw and the fermented rhizomes, except the phosphorus content which is significantly different from each other. It was therefore concluded that the rhizomes of A. difformis may be incorporated into feed meant for the feeding of poultry birds. The rhizome of Anchomanes difformis is also recommended for use in the feeding of animals like goats, cows and sheeps. It could also be used as an alternative source of energy concentrate in livestock or poultry feeds since it is a rich source of energy obtained from the study and also as a potential sources of new agents for the treatment of diseases.