ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to ascertain proximate composition and some mineral analysis of ripe plantain peels collected from different locations in Ekpoma. The specific objectives were to determine the proximate and mineral composition of ripe plantain peels. Data was collected on proximate composition and mineral analysis. The result showed a significant (p<0.05) difference were observed on the amount of crude protein of ripe plantain peels. The highest (8.167%) value of crude protein was recorded in Igueben, while the least value (4.667%) was recorded in Eguare, with no significant (p>0.05) difference. Highest level of crude fibre (8.560%) was recorded in Igueben with lowest in Eguare (7.316%), there was no significant (p>0.05) difference except in Ehor. Crude fat recorded highest level in Eguare (5.796%) and lowest in Irrua and Iruekpen (5.582%), with no significant (p>0.05) difference in all the locations visited. Highest NFE value was recorded in Irrua (71.52%)and lowest in Igueben (67.84%) with a significant (p<0.05) difference in Igueben.
The amount of Iron (Fe) (2.407mg/kg) in Igueben was significantly different while the least (1.60mg/kg) was recorded in Ehor. Also, the result shows that the amount of magnesium (Mg), sodium (Na) and phosphorus (P) at the five locations were significantly (p<0.05) different. The result showed the amount of calcium Ca in Igueben was significantly (p<0.05) different, phosphorus, P (36.66 - 49.37mg/kg), Sodium, Na (4.517 - 4.853mg/kg), Potassium, K (446.5 – 68.4mg/kg), Calcium, Ca (556,0 - 650.2mg/kg), Magnesium, Mg (6.710 - 8.053mg/kg) and Iron, Fe (1.600 - 2.407mg/kg) at the five location experimented. Due to the high cost of conventional feed, It is therefore recommended that plantain peels should be incorporated in animal feed to reduce cost of production.
