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

Over dependence on conventional feedstuff has contributed to a continuous rise in the prices of feeds. Balanites aegyptiaca 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, Balanites aegyptiaca 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 (P<0.05) decrease in lipid content from 37.11% to 9.98% and a significant (P<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 Balanites aegyptiaca seed kernel as an alternative protein source in animal feeding.