Enhancing the Chemical Composition of Balanites aegyptiaca Seeds through Ethanol Extraction for Use as a Protein Source in Feed Formulation

Abstract

<p>Over dependence on conventional feedstuff has contributed to a continuous rise in the prices of feeds. <em>Balanites aegyptiaca </em>is a perennial tree and its seeds, if properly processed could be a cheaper alternative source of protein for livestock feed formulation. In this study, <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> seeds were subjected to ethanol extraction, to examine the effect on the nutrient, phytochemical, organoleptic as well as textural properties of the seed kernel. The result showed a significant (<em>P</em><0.05) decrease in lipid content from 37.11% to 9.98% and a significant (<em>P</em><0.05) increase in protein content from 31.73% to 37.68%. There was a reduction in the level of tannin from 0.0690 to 0.0043 mg/100g, phytic acid 108.65 to 36.65 mg/100g and oxalate 30.01 to 15.03 mg/100g. The results show that ethanol extraction is an effective processing technique for enhancing the suitability of <em>Balanites aegyptiaca</em> seed kernel as an alternative protein source in animal feeding.</p>