NUTRITIONAL COMPOSITION OF RAW UNDECORTICATED ANDDECORTICATED Adansonia digitata (BAOBAB) SEED MEAL

Abstract

Adansonia digitata, commonly known as the baobab tree, is a valuable resource in Nigeriadue to its diverse uses in traditional medicine, cuisine, and animal feed. This study aimedto determine the proximate and phytochemical composition of raw undecorticated anddecorticated Adansonia digitata seed meal (UADSM and DADSM). Proximate analysiswas conducted using the procedure of AOAC (2005), while phytochemical screening wasdone using the method described by Makkar (2000). Results showed that DADSM hadhigher values of crude protein (27.66) compared to UADSM (20.98). Moisture content was6.96% for DADSM and 8.79% for UADSM. The ether extract value of DADSM was higherthan that of UADSM. Phytochemical analysis revealed higher concentrations of saponins,total phenolics, and alkaloids in DADSM, while higher concentrations of tannins,flavonoids, and terpenoids were recorded in UADSM. These findings suggest thatAdansonia digitata seed meal could be a valuable alternative feed ingredient for livestock,and further studies are recommended to determine the bioavailability and potential healtheffects of the phytochemicals present in ADSM.