Abstract:
Seeds of Caesalpinia pulcherima, an ornamental plant, were subjected to different processing methods. Thereafter, the processed samples were chemically characterized with respect to the proximate composition, gross energy and mineral, and amino acid contents. The anti-nutritional factors were also determined. The seed contained: crude protein 353.9gkg-1DM (range: 228 - 491gkg-1DM); ash 122.9gkg-1DM (range: 97 - 183gkg-11DM); crude fibre 48gkg-1DM (range: 34 - 68gkg-1DM); ether extract 146.4gkg-1DM (range 72-179gkg-1DM) and gross energy 19.8MJkg-1 (range; 17.9 - 20.6MJkg-1). Dehull + other variables employed enhanced the crude protein; ether extract and gross energy but reduced the ash and crude fibre contents. The amino acids were generally low when compared with FAO/WHO (1973) recommended pattern and the seeds also contained some nutritional needed minerals. The levels of the anti - nutrients in the seeds were reduced or eliminated completely by dehull + thermal processing methods. It was concluded that the seeds of C. pulcherima could be included in dietary formulae for man or monogastric animals especially where protein availability is in short supply.
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