Minerals and Phytochemical Compositions of Xanthosoma Mafafa Leaf Meal Treated With Varying Levels of Palm Bunch Ash Solution

Abstract

Varying concentrations of palm bunch ash solutions (0.00, 0.25, 0.50, 0.75 and 1.00 g/100ml water) were used to blanchcocoyam (Xanthosoma mafafa) leaf meal (XMLM) at 100oC for three minutes and its minerals and phytochemical compositions were determined. The mineral concentrations of XMLM generally increased due to palm bunch ash solution treatment, with values increasing continuously as the electrolyte concentration increases.Calcium and potassium composition recorded high concentration levels which indicate ahigh amount of both minerals in the leaf meal. The phytochemical composition values were reduced by the ash solution treatment (p<0.05) except for TF and phytate which gave a higher value than the control across the treatments. It was concluded that blanching with palm fruit bunch mineral electrolyte has a significant effect in the treatment of Xanthosoma mafafa leaf meal which was positive especially at 0.75% concentration of the mineral electrolyte that showed a promising outcome.Based on the result it was recommended that farmers should adopt the use of Xanthosoma mafafa leaf meal treated with 0.75% palm fruit bunch derived mineral electrolyte as a feedstuff in formulating adiet for their livestock as this will reduce the cost of feed.