CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF COUNTRY ONIONS (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. seed)

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, amino acid, minerals, anti-nutrients and the vitamin contents of country onion (Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr.) to ascertain its suitability as an additive in animal feed production. Proximate analysis was performed using standard AOAC methods, mineral contents were determined using atomic absorption spectrometry while the anti-nutrients were analysed using standard methods. The results revealed that the seed had moisture content of 3.35 %, crude protein content of 2.82%, ash content of 1.77%, ether extract content of 0.60% and crude fibre content of 2.35%. Amino acids, minerals, vitamins and anti-nutritional factors were also determined. The results obtained indicate that the seed has nutritive benefits and can increase the efficiency of feed utilization, boost the overall performance of animals, thus reducing cost and increasing profitability in animal production.