PROXIMATE AND MINERAL ANALYSIS OF AFRICAN LOCUST BEEN PULP AND CRUSHED GROUNDNUT SHELL USING UREA AS NITROGEN SOURCE
Abstract
The study investigated the proximate and mineral composition of African locust bean pulp (Parkia biglobosa) and crushed groundnut shell (Arachis hypogaea) using urea as a nitrogen source. Samples were collected, dried, crushed, and ensiled with urea in airtight containers. Proximate analysis revealed the following composition for the mixture: moisture content ranged from 8.39% to 9.91%, ash content from 4.97% to 6.41%, crude protein from 22.01% to 25.61%, crude fiber from 24.04% to 31.05%, lipid from 3.24% to 3.90%, nitrogen-free extract (NFE) from 42.21% to 42.81%, and dry matter from 90% to 91%. Mineral analysis showed calcium (Ca) values of 138.26 mg/100g and magnesium (Mg) values of 158.46 mg/100g. The dry matter content (90-91%) was higher than previously reported values (73.71% and 9.52% by Amata & Lebari, 2012). Crude protein values (22.01-25.61%) were lower than some earlier reports, while crude fiber content (24.04-31.05%) was higher. The study concludes that African locust bean pulp and crushed groundnut shell ensiled with urea can serve as a valuable feed resource for ruminant livestock without additional supplements, as the mineral content meets the requirements for ruminants.
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