ABSTRACT
This study aimed at extracting Leaf Protein Concentrate from Sweet Potato leaf using three different methods and to determine the yield, physical characteristics and chemical composition. The extraction was performed using Heat Coagulation method, Alum Precipitation Method and Acid Coagulation method. The yield and physical characteristics were noted and the chemical compositions (proximate and mineral) were analysed using standard analytical procedures. The results of this study showed that the yield of SP-LPC was highest with Acid Method. It also showed that Acid Coagulation had the highest Dry Matter content (90.86%), Heat had the highest Crude Protein Content (39.84%), Bagasse had the highest Crude Fibre (15.877%), Heat had the highest Ether Extract content (9.93%), Bagasse had the highest Ash content (8.083%) and NFE (55.46%). Na, Ca, K, Mg, P, Fe, Mn and Zn were analysed in Bagasse, Heat SP-LPC, Alum SP-LPC and Acid SP-LPC. There was no significant difference in the Sodium, Calcium and Phosphorus in the Leaf Protein Concentrates. The highest recorded mineral was Potassium obtained from Alum SP-LPC with 3605mg/kg and the least mineral recorded was the Manganese of Bagasse with a value of 5.17mg/kg. From the results obtained from this study, Sweet Potato Leaf Protein Concentrate (SP-LPC) obtained using Heat Coagulation, Alum Precipitation and Acid Coagulation methods were compared and it was concluded that Sweet Potato Leaf Protein Concentrate (SP-LPC) is best extracted using Heat Method because it has higher Crude Protein (CP), Ether Extract (EE) and Ash content than the other two methods. Ca, Mg, P, Fe, Mn and Zn were also highest in Heat Coagulation Method. Thus, Sweet Potato Leaf Protein Concentrate (SP-LPC) can serve as a source of protein in feed formulation for animals because of its high protein content (38.93% - 39.84%) and other nutrients.
