Baobab Seeds Research Articles

Adsorption Studies of Pb<sup>2+</sup>, Cu<sup>2+</sup> and Cr<sup>3+</sup> from Aqueous Solution Using <i>Azadirachta Indica </i>(Neem) Seed Husk and <i>Adansonia Digitata </i>(Baobab) Seeds

The adsorption of Pb<sup>2+</sup>, Cu<sup>2+</sup> and Cr<sup>3+</sup> from aqueous solution using Neem seed husk (NSH) and baobab seed (BS) were studied through the use of batch adsorption system. The adsorbents were prepared by drying at 120°C for 24hours and were characterized using FT-IR, XRD, and SEM analysis. The FTIR spectroscopy revealed the presence of O-H, N-H, C-H, C=C, C=O, and C-O stretching; XRD revealed the particle sizes as 44.51nm for NSH and 42.61nm while the morphology of the NSH and BS were revealed by SEM to be porous for NSH and BS. Various parameters such as, initial metal ion concentration, adsorbent dosage, contact time, Temperature and pH of metal ion solution were investigated in a batch-adsorption System. The adsorption uptake was found to increase with increase in adsorbent dose, contact time and temperature but decreases with the initial concentration. The uptake of the metal ions increases and reaches optimum at pH of 4-6. The maximum adsorption capacity was found to be Pb-NSH (15.267mg/g) and Cu-NSH (19.46mg/g). Adsorption of Cu<sup>2+</sup>onto NSH fitted Langmuir isotherm model with (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.93) while Adsorption of Pb-NSH Fitted Freundlich isotherm Model with (R<sup>2</sup>> 0.99). Kinetic data fitted pseudo-second-order model (R<sup>2</sup> > 0.98) which was more suitable in explaining the adsorption rate. Thermodynamic data showed that Gibb’s free energy (ΔG°) values for all metal ions were negative indicating feasibility and favorability of adsorption. Positive enthalpy change (ΔH°) and Entropy change (ΔS°) values indicate endothermic processes and increase in randomness.

Histological Changes of Selected Organs of West African Dwarf Sheep Fed Boiled Baobab Seed Meal Supplement

The histology of selected organs of twenty four (24) Male West African dwarf sheep was investigated. The animals were randomly distributed to four dietary treatments, each treatment had six (6) replicates in a completely randomised design, under a good animal procedures for twelve (12) weeks. Four (4) experimental diets T1, T2, T3 and T4 tagged Baobab Seed meal (BSM) at inclusion levels of 0%, 2%, 4% and 6%, respectively was offered to the experimental animals. Representative from each treatment was randomly selected and weighed before slaughter to collect selected tissue samples (testis, liver, spleen and tracheal) for histopathological examinations. The inclusion of BSM in the diet of WAD sheep at 4% caused a ruptured seminiferous tubules and release of immature sperm cells, with liver lesion that reflects large and small fat vacuoles (steatosis), a characteristic of focal nodular hyperplasia or hepatocellular carcinomia. The sinusoids were not well defined surrounded by eosinophilic particles. The results also showed the presence of normal lymphoid follicles with a germinal centre, cartilage of trachea with areas of hyaline chondrocytes depletion as well as loss of mucosa layers were observed for WAD sheep at 4% inclusion level. At 2% inclusion levels, normal characteristics of a normal animal were observed on selected tissue samples. The experimental diets at 2% inclusion levels showed normal seminiferous tubules with the release of mature sperm cells; no lesion was observed, the testis, liver, spleen and tracheal were all normal. 2% inclusion level of BSM had positive effects on the experimental animals and a such recommended for inclusion in the diets of WAD sheep.

Effect of Phytate Enzyme Supplementation in Cooked Baobab Seed Meal Diets on Broiler Chickens’ Health and Nutrient Digestion

Effect of Phytate Enzyme Supplementation in Cooked Baobab Seed Meal Diets on Broiler Chickens’ Health and Nutrient Digestion

The Variation Effect of Solvents on the Physicochemical Properties Baobab (Ophelussitularius) Seeds Oil

It is remarkable to notice that Baobab seeds are normally discarded in Sudan, without knowing the great wealth hidden. The present study was conducted to determine physicochemical properties of Baobab (Ophelussitularis) seeds oil and select proper solvent for oil extraction from seeds which contain approximately 22-45%, used n-hexane and ethanol as solvents, leaching was done by solid extraction method. Physicochemical properties of the Baobab seeds oil were evaluated by standard and established methods. Oils and solvents were separated using rotary evaporator, recovery solvent were 91.2% and 75% for n-hexane and ethanol respectively. The obtained Baobab oils color were golden yellow (reddish yellow) not effected by type of solvent, it showed resistance to change in color, results showed the maximum Baobab oil yields were 16% and 13.5 % for n-hexane and ethanol respectively. Crude protein CP was found to be13.475 g/100 g, oil content was 13.26 g/, Saponification value SV 338.4925 g and 406.725 g/100 g for Baobab oil extracted with n-hexane and ethanol respectively. Results were obtained for ash content, crude fiber, acid value, FFA and rheological properties. Physicochemical properties indicated that n-hexane was more suitable to extract Baobab oil more than ethanol and recover easy. The difference was clearly visible in PV, AV and µ, while n-hexane yields pure oil more than ethanol. All those results detected that seeds of Baobab are beneficial if they extracted using n-hexane. It is recommended to conduct additional research on this issue and insert other solvents to select the best solvent and study the effect of different solvents on the properties of resulting oil.

Valorization of baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata) as a coffee-like beverage: evaluation of roasting time on bioactive compounds.

The baobab tree (Adansonia digitata) can be found in sub-Saharan Africa, and its fruit presents high nutritional value. However, baobab seeds are often discarded and their potential remains underutilized. This study aimed to investigate the effect of roasting time (30/55/80/105min at 200°C) on the physical-chemical properties of baobab seeds and the bioactive compounds in a coffee-like beverage. The results showed a decrease in moisture, Aw (water activity), and hardness of baobab seeds with increasing roasting time. These changes resulted from moisture loss, caramelization, and Maillard reactions, which also affected appearance when compared with unroasted baobab seeds. The pH of the beverage decreased to a value of around 6.01 after 105min of roasting. The total phenolic content and antioxidant activity of the beverage increased with roasting time, reaching 851.2mg GAE/100g (after 80min) and 18.9mmol Fe2+/100g (after 55min), respectively. The caffeine content remained stable around 16mg/100g from 55 to 105min, lower than that of unroasted coffee beans and decaffeinated coffee. These findings suggest the potential for valorizing baobab seeds in the development of a new coffee-like beverage with lower caffeine content.

Photochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity of Adansonia digitata L. Seeds Ethanol Extract

Adansonia digitate Linn (Malvaceae) is a native plant to the west Sudan, locally named Tabaldy. Adansonia digitate seeds are believed to have nutritional and medicinal benefits in Sudan. The aims of this study are to screening the phytochemicals of Adansonia digitate L seeds ethanol extract and to assess the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. The phytochemical screening revealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and protein, but alkaloids, tannins and resins were not detected. The antioxidant test of baobab seeds ethanol extract was performed by using the DPPH scavenging test which revealed a moderate activity (53.04±0.067) with IC50 value 0.092± 0.006. The cytotoxicity was tested using three cancer cell line: lung cancer cell (A549), breast cancer cell (MCF7), hepatic cancer cell (HEPG2) and tow normal cell line melanocytes cell (HFB4) and fibrinocytes cell (BHK). The cytotoxicity result of the seed aqueous ethanol extract was exhibited a cytotoxic effect against the normal cell tested (HFB4), (BHK) with IC50 11.6, and 24.5 µg/ml respectively and no effect on cancer cell tested except (MCF7) cell with IC50 11.5 µg/ml. This study does not support the use of seeds powder as nutrition due to the cytotoxic effect.

Photochemical Analysis, Antioxidant Activity and Cytotoxicity ofAdansonia digitata L. Seeds Ethanol Extract

Adansonia digitate Linn (Malvaceae) is a native plant to the west Sudan, locally named Tabaldy.Adansonia digitate seeds are believed to have nutritional and medicinal benefits in Sudan. Theaims of this study are to screening the phytochemicals of Adansonia digitate L seeds ethanolextract and to assess the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity. The phytochemical screeningrevealed the presence of glycosides, saponins, steroids, flavonoids, and protein, but alkaloids,tannins and resins were not detected. The antioxidant test of baobab seeds ethanol extract wasperformed by using the DPPH scavenging test which revealed a moderate activity (53.04±0.067)with IC50 value 0.092± 0.006. The cytotoxicity was tested using three cancer cell line: lungcancer cell (A549), breast cancer cell (MCF7), hepatic cancer cell (HEPG2) and tow normal cellline melanocytes cell (HFB4) and fibrinocytes cell (BHK). The cytotoxicity result of the seedaqueous ethanol extract was exhibited a cytotoxic effect against the normal cell tested (HFB4),(BHK) with IC50 11.6, and 24.5 μg/ml respectively and no effect on cancer cell tested except(MCF7) cell with IC50 11.5 μg/ml. This study does not support the use of seeds powder asnutrition due to the cytotoxic effect

Impact of Different Oil Extraction Techniques on the Physicochemical Properties of Adansonia digitata Seed.

The seeds of baobab were found to have both industrial and domestic uses due to their essential oil qualities for topical medication. However, the seeds found in this study area in Ghana are underutilised and sometimes thrown away after being taken off the pulp. The present study is aimed at examining the impact of the two predominant techniques used for oil extraction from nonoily seeds, namely, mechanical extraction and Soxhlet (n-hexane) extraction, on both the oil yield and physicochemical properties of crude oil derived from baobab seeds. The study looked at the iodine value, peroxide value, acid value, colour, density, and other variables. Refractometers, chroma meters, and titration techniques were used for the determination of specific properties using standard methods. The Soxhlet method of oil extraction was superior in terms of maximum oil recovery, recording a value of 27.75%, in contrast to the mechanical method, which yielded a significantly lower recovery rate of 5.422%. The peroxide and iodine values were found to be 15.09 and 11.89 mEq/g and 85.89 and 88.45 g/100 g for the mechanical and Soxhlet extraction methods, respectively. Statistically significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) were observed between the two oil extraction methods in some of the properties measured. The study discussed the impact of these oil properties on the application of both food and nonfood products. Finally, the study has provided an essential set of data and information to enable product initiators in the cosmetic, food, and other industries to make informed decisions regarding the utilisation of baobab oil as a constituent in the formulation of products.

Evaluation of Fungal Contamination on Livestock Feed Ingredients of Plants origin Stored for Five Years

The purpose of this experiment was to evaluate the extent of Fungal contamination of livestock feed stuffs of plants origin stored for five years at Plateau State College of Agriculture, Garkawa. The feed ingredients were: wheat offals, cowpea husks, cotton seeds, kidney beans seeds, baobab seeds, bambara nut husks, palm kernel cake, baobab seed meal, rice offals, yam peels, ground nut cake and sweet orange peels. Microbiological quality of these feedstuffs were conducted using standard microbiological technique for food and animal feeding stuffs at Microbiology Unit of Central Diagnostic Laboratory at National Veterinary Research Institute Vom, Plateau State, Nigeria. The study revealed a total of eight fungi spp: Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus, Penicillum spp, Rhizopus spp, Mucor spp, Trichophyton rubrum, Aspergillus spp and Aspergillus flavus. From the findings, cowpea husks, cotton seed, kidney beans seed, baobab seed and bambara nut husks were contaminated by Aspergillus niger (28.57%) as the dominant species of fungi followed by: Aspergillus fumigatus (19.05%) (baobab seed, bambara nut husks, blood meal, and baobab seed meal) and baobab seed (Aspergillus niger, Aspergillus fumigatus and Penicillium spp). Wheat offals and palm kernel cake had the highest total fungi counts of 4.0 x 102 cfu/g followed by yam peels, sweet orange peel and bone meal with 3.0 x 102 cfu/g and baobab seed meal had 2.2 x 102 cfu/g. To reduce the growth of mould on livestock feed ingredients stored over long periods of time, regular monitoring of moisture levels of these ingredients should be checked before embarking on storage.

A review of baobab (Adansonia digitata) fruit processing as a catalyst for enhancing wealth and food security

Scientific study on non-timber forest products with potential for use by humans has recently experienced a resurgence. Baobab is one of these non-timber forest products, and every part of the baobab has been shown by studies to be useful. Because the fruit products of the baobab tree contain enormous amounts of phytochemicals, these products have found uses in food, cosmetics, and pharmaceuticals. Hence, this study examined, among other things, the role of the physical and mechanical properties of the baobab seeds in relation to design of equipment for processing as well as the phytochemicals found in the fruit products. It also discussed the traditional and orthodox uses of the baobab product. Along with vitamins and amino-acids found in the pulp, other minerals were also reviewed. High quantities of proteins, lipids, essential amino acids, and fatty acids, including linoleic, oleic, and palmitic acids, as well as Omega 3, 6, and 9, are present in baobab seeds and the seed oil. Antinutrients present in baobab seeds have the potential to be harmful to human health when consumed. The study examined different processing techniques used to lessen these antinutrients present in the seeds. To fully realize the potential of baobab fruit products, areas for further research have been highlighted in this review.

Potentials of baobab in food systems

The current study aims to review the prospects for baobab domestication and cultivation, nutrient variability, food applications, industrial value and future potentials of the African baobab. The variations in nutrient content of baobab as seen in several studies could have arisen from differences in provenance the sample was obtained, age of the parent plant, as well as differences in soil and climate. Regardless, baobab is a rich source of nutrients, bioactives and functional polysaccharides, representing a huge market potential for food industries. It has garnered widespread interest as a functional ingredient for preventive health care and disease management. Due to approvals given by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the European Commission (EC), baobab fruit pulp has gained widespread popularity as a novel food ingredient. In addition, baobab fruit pulp offered as a dietary supplement has been used in its naturally dehydrated form or processed into pills. There are huge information gaps on processing and safety of baobab seed oil, use of baobab seeds and leaf powder - a rich source of mucilage, in food systems. An industrially significant product from baobab are the functional polysaccharides which are a rapidly advancing application. Baobab plant parts, fruit pulp, kernels, whole seeds, funicles, leaves, empty fruit shells and roots all inclusive, are of significant value for their key role in nutrition and health, food security and economic welfare of the rural communities in regions where the trees are originally found. Both traditional and novel applications of the various parts of the baobab tree have been explored in this paper. These include use in edible products like gruels, jams, yoghurt, wines, juice etc. Application of extrusion processing as an economical means of value addition to baobab commodities has been reviewed, especially relating to the classification of baobab as a neglected and underutilized species (NUS).

Moisture Dependent: Physical Properties of Baobab Seeds (Adansonia digitata L.)

Abstract The research investigated physical properties of baobab seeds to determine suitable equipment for the processing of its seeds. Pods of baobab used in the study were collected at a local farm in Ilorin, North Central Nigeria. Physical properties of the samples, such as moisture contents, mass, axial dimensions, shape indices, true and bulk densities, porosity, angle of repose and surface area were determined. The results showed that physical properties of baobab seeds were stable for moisture content, ranging between 12 to 18% dry mass (dm). The 100 seed mass (g) and geometric mean diameter increased from 0.60 g to 0.62 g and 10.12 to 10.27 mm respectively, in the moisture range of 12 to 18% dm. Other studied ranges of physical properties ranges included: average length (12.22 to 12.63 mm), width (10.10 to 10.28 mm), thickness (8.23 to 8.42 mm,), sphericity, (81.23 to 82.56 mm), surface area (319.42 to 332.53 mm2), 50 seed mass (0.60 and 0.62 g), and 1000 seed mass (12 and 12.4 g) within the moisture content range of 12 to 18% dm. The angle of repose of baobab seeds decreased with an increase in moisture content. The maximum value of 29.18o was obtained at 14% moisture content while a minimum value of 24.42o was obtained at 18% moisture. Moisture content had a significant effect on coefficient of friction of baobab seeds on glass, stainless steel, plywood and rubber. In the same moisture range (12-18%), the static coefficient of friction for baobab seeds ranged from 0-739 to 0-905 on stainless steel, 0-960 to 1-190 on galvanized steel, 0-812 to 1-055 on plywood and 0-496 to 0-950 on glass. The least coefficient of friction values were recorded on stainless steel and glass which implies that baobab seeds will move with lower resistance on these surfaces in post-harvest handling. On the other hand, the resistance will be higher on plywood and glass. The data obtained will serve as guide for agricultural and food engineers, food processors and technicians involved in design and construction of post-harvest equipment used for separating, cleaning, milling and other production processes, to which baobab seeds are subjected.

Processes for the Clarification of the Crude Oil of Baobab Seeds Extracted by Pressing on Activated Carbon Elaborated from the Capsules of the Fruit (<i>Adansonia digitata</i> L.)

The baobab, Adansonia digitata L. plays an important role in the economy of local populations. The oil from the seeds of the baobab fruit is nowadays highly prized because of its numerous cosmetic and therapeutic applications and its composition of unsaturated fatty acids, sterols and tocopherols. However, unlike refined oils, locally extracted baobab oil has not undergone purification operations to ensure its quality. Only a filtration on special cloths is carried out after decantation. Indeed, the oil obtained after pressing is cloudy because of the presence of various impurities. It therefore requires treatment operations to make it more attractive and of higher quality. Therefore, in order to provide innovative solutions to local companies to improve the quality of vegetable oils, a study of clarification (treatment) of crude oil is necessary. An experimental device has been developed in the laboratory. It includes a glass column and a filter bed of dune sand and activated carbon. This study has shown the efficiency of the experimental device. Indeed, the activated carbon, thanks to its adsorbing power, has allowed a significant decrease in turbidity at the 5% threshold, from 14.61 NTU for the raw oil to 0.08 NTU for the oil filtered on 3% carbon and 0.033 NTU for the oil filtered on 5% carbon. That is to say an abatement higher than 95%. This decrease in turbidity could be correlated with the decrease in brown index from 187.39a for the initial crude oil to 128.53d for the oil treated with 3% activated carbon versus 187.59a for the oil filtered on cloths. The lowest brown index was observed with the filtration using 5% activated carbon (35.99b). Thus, for the yellowness index, only the filtration on 5% charcoal allowed to obtain a significant decrease in yellowness. The yellowing index of the oil with 5% was 44.67b against 79.04a for the oil filtered with 3% activated carbon, 86.33a for the crude oil and 86.46a for the oil filtered on cloths. Finally, the oil sample treated with 5% activated carbon had the clearest clarity than the other samples with a clarity (L) equal to 97.98c against 95.63d for the oil treated with 3% carbon and 94.99b for the oil filtered on filter cloths. According to the results obtained, the experimental device made it possible to obtain a clearer baobab oil with a low brown index, thus improving the sensory quality of the oil.

Influence Of Moisture Content On Some Physical Properties Of Baobab Seeds (Adansonia Digitata) In Relation To Equipment Development For Postharvest Processing And Handling.

In this study, the effect of moisture content on the physical attributes of baobab seeds was examined, along with the implications for the design of machinery for postharvest handling and processing of the seeds. The seed's volume, sphericity, aspect ratio, axial dimensions, arithmetic, and geometric mean diameters were all determined. Gravimetric properties including porosity, bulk density, and thousand grain mass were measured. Additionally, the seeds' frictional characteristics on different surfaces for handling after harvest were established. The arithmetic and geometric mean diameters were found to be in a range of 8.00 and 9.64 mm and 7.86 and 9.50 mm, respectively, with moisture contents between 5.4 and 20.6% on a dry basis. The seed's sphericity ranged from 78.18 to 80.38 percent. Densities for the bulk and particle ranged from 740.77 to 763.40 kg/m3 and 1155.22 to 1223 -29 kg/m3, respectively. The study revealed that among the four frictional surfaces, plywood surface had the greatest resistance to the flow of the seeds, and the least was registered for the glass surface material. The effect of moisture content on the seed’s physical properties were statistically significant (p≤0.05). Regression equations for future predicting the various physical properties at different moisture contents were developed. The study has produced valuable information that will help with the design of machinery for handling and processing baobab seeds after harvest.

A Note on the Effect of Storage on Physicochemical Properties of Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) Seedsʼ Oil from Kordofan and Blue Nile States

Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) is an indigenous forest tree related with the Savannah dry lands of sub-Saharan Africa. Local communities utilize the leaves, pulp, and seeds of Baobab as a source of nutrition and for income generation. Seed oil has been used for centuries by rural communities as food and medicine. The global demand for Baobab seed oil in industrial applications has increased in recent years. The present study was conducted to determine physicochemical properties, mineral content and effect of storage on seeds from two different geographical locations (Kordofan and Blue Nile States). Six different samples of Baobab seeds were collected, prepared and stored in 2017 at room temperature until analysis in 2019. The oil was extracted by cold pressing process and its physicochemical properties were evaluated by standard and established methods. The results showed that the Baobab oil color was golden yellow/ reddish yellow and it showed resistance to change in color and seeds contained reasonable amount of oil. Oil density, PH, refractive index and acid value showed negligible change with the storage. However the peroxide value increased when the storage period increased, while the iodine value, saponification and viscosity of the oil decreased markedly with the storage time. Kordofan seed oil was higher than Blue Nile in density, oil content and saponification value, while Blue Nile seed oil showed higher viscosity, peroxide value and minerals especially potassium content.

Potential valorisation of baobab (Adansonia digitata) seeds as a coffee substitute: Insights and comparisons on the effect of roasting on quality, sensory profiles, and characterisation of volatile aroma compounds by HS-SPME/GC–MS

The seeds of Africa's majestic baobab are often discarded or poorly utilized. Few studies explored its potential as a coffee substitute, while the key volatile compounds are still unknown. These compounds were hypothesized to be responsible for baobab's sensory acceptance. In this study, the physicochemical, sensory, and key volatile composition of brews from coffee beans and baobab seeds subjected to different roasting conditions were reported. Roasting increases pH while reducing acidity, total soluble solids, lightness (L*), redness/greenness (a*), and yellowness/blueness (b*) in coffee and baobab brews. Phenolic contents increased significantly (p < 0.05) with increased roasting intensity in baobab while degrading in coffee. Significant variability of volatile composition existed among coffee and baobab matrices and the roasting conditions. Nevertheless, the presence of several key coffee odorants in baobab from pyrazines, phenols, and furans chemical families, owing to their odour active value ≥ 1, likely contributed to its sensory acceptance.

Polyphenols, antioxidant activity, and functional properties of baobab (Adansonia digitata L) seeds soaked in monovalent ion salts

ABSTRACT Baobab (Adansonia digitata L.) seeds are underutilized and native to Savannah regions of Africa. The problem of the hard-to-cook (HTC) phenomenon with antinutrients exists. The application of monovalent ion salt solutions becomes important. This study analyzed the effect of soaking in deionized water, 0.5% w/v monovalent ion salts (NaCl, NaHCO3), sodium salt of a divalent ion (Na2S2O5) on the polyphenyl, antioxidant activity, and functional properties. The salts caused protein, crude fiber, vitamin C, and dry matter contents of 40.2–44.6 g/100 g, 7.78–9.46%, 3.0–3.4 mg/100 g, and 80.4–86.2%, respectively. Seed thickness, weight, and color were influenced by soaking in monovalent salt solutions. The total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), and proanthocyanidins range was 251–326 mg GAE/100 g, 236–288 mg TE/100 g, and 59–70.4 mg LE/100 g respectively. The Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power (FRAP), DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl) free radical scavenging, and ABTS+ (2,2’-azinobis-3-ethyl benzothiazoline-6-sulfonate) ranged between 208.4–291.3 mg EA/g, 86.0–104 mg TE/g, and 98.3–110 µmol AEAC/100 g respectively. Bulk density, phytates, and oxalates were reduced significantly (p < 0.05), and gelatinization temperature increased. Monovalent salts reduce antinutrients, promote solubilization of polyphenols, modify the seed properties, and contribute to softening of the seeds.

Performance and Blood Profile of Grower West African Dwarf (WAD) Bucks Fed Graded Levels of Toasted Baobab (&amp;lt;i&amp;gt;Adansonia digitata&amp;lt;/i&amp;gt;) Seed Meal

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the performance and blood parameters of West African Dwarf (WAD) bucks fed graded levels of toasted baobab seed meal for 84 days. Baobab seeds were washed, sun-dried and toasted uniformly using a cast iron pan. The toasted baobab seeds were crushed with a roller mill grinding machine to make baobab seed meal (BSM). The BSM was included at 0%, 25%, 50% and 75% levels in diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 respectively to replace soybean. Each treatment was replicated four times in a completely randomized design. Uncoagulated blood samples were collected from WAD bucks at the end of the 84 days’ feeding trial and analysed for packed cell volume (PCV), haemoglobin concentrate (Hb), red blood cells (RBC) and white blood cells (WBC). The mean corpuscular haemoglobin volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH), platelets, neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, and basophils were calculated using PCV, RBC and Hb. The blood meant for serological analysis was centrifuged at 1000 G for 10 minutes, after which the serum was separated and used for determining serum total protein (Tp), albumin, serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT). The inclusion of baobab seed meal up to 50% in the experimental diet did not have any negative effect on the performance of the goats and did not pose any health challenge to the animals during the study period.

Growth Performance and Digestibility of Starter Broiler Chicks Fed Diets Containing Different Duration of Fermented Baobab (Adansonia digitata) Seed Meal

A nutrient retention and growth performance study were conducted with broiler chicks to evaluate the effect of different duration of fermented baobab seed meal (FBSM). Fermented baobab (Adansonia digitata) seeds were ground and incorporated in the diets at 12% dietary level. Diet 1 (control diet) had no BSM. Diet 2 had unfermented BSM. Diets 3, 4 and 5 had baobab seed meal (BSM) fermented for 48 h, 72 h and 96 h, respectively. Two hundred and forty (240) Arbor Acre chicks at one-week old were weighed and distributed to these dietary treatments. The five (5) treatments were replicated four (4) times in a completely randomized design, with 12 birds per replicate (48 per treatment). The diets did not significantly (p&gt;0.05) influenced Feed intake, final body weight, feed conversion ratio and protein intake across treatments. The body weight gain and protein efficiency ratio of the chicks fed 96 h fermented BSM were not significantly (p&gt;0.05) different with those fed control diet but were significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher than chicks of other treatment groups. Starter broiler chicks fed T4 had significantly (p&lt;0.05) higher nutrient digestibility parameters across treatments, except for EE and CF that were highly digested by chicks fed T3 and T1 respectively. In conclusion the performance of broiler chicks fed 96 h FBSM competed favorably with those fed control diet, whereas, chicks placed on 72 h FBSM recorded better result of nutrient digestibility.

Effect of processing method on proximate, minerals, phytochemcals and anti-nutrients present in Baobab seeds (Adansonia digitata)

Baobab (Adansonia digitata) is a deciduous tree with many useful plants. The objective of this work was to determine the effect of processing methods on proximate, mineral composition, phytochemical and anti-nutrient of control, boiled, roasted and fermented samples of baobab seeds. The result showed that the protein content of the seeds of different process ranged from (32.87%) roasted to (32.13%) control sample. The fat content ranges from (30.97%) roasted to (29.77%) boiled seeds. The ash content ranges from (0.60%) boiled to (0.57%) fermented. The moisture content ranges from (9.03%) boiled to (8.53%) control sample. The carbohydrate content ranges from (29.93%) boiled to (26.73%) roasted seeds respectively. While the mineral composition of the seeds measure in (mg/100g) ranges from: Ca (188.33) fermented to (173.33) boiled, Fe ranges from (12.87) fermented to (11.73) boiled, Na ranges from (446.67) fermented to (416.67) boiled, Mg ranges from (55.00) fermented to (46.67) boiled, K ranges from (43.33) fermented to (33.33) boiled, Cu ranges from (0.83) fermented to (0.60) boiled seeds respectively. While the phytochemicals and antinutrient factors of the seeds measured in (mg/100g) ranges from: Alkaloids ranges from (30.00) control sample to (20.00) fermented, Flavonoids ranges from (61.67) fermented to (48.33) boiled, Steroids ranges from (20.00) fermented to (15.00) control sample, Tannins ranges from (140.00) roasted to (128.33) boiled , Saponins ranges from (45.00) control sample to (33.33) fermented, Protease Inhibitors ranges from (0.83) control sample to (0.40) fermented seeds respectively. The baobab seeds are a very proteinous with high mineral composition. Therefore, these seeds can be useful in the preparation of diets for people with low-level of mineral elements and also as dietary supplement in weaning food to improve quality of diets of infants and children.