Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
Sotolu, A.O., Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Kigbu, A.A., Department of Forestry, Wildlife and Fisheries, Nasarawa State University, Shabu-Lafia campus, Lafia, Nigeria; Oshinowo, J.A., Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Management, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Nigeria
The present study was conducted to find out the nutritional values of Phoenix dactylifera (Date palm) flesh and seeds to be used as components in fish feeds for enhanced feed utilization efficiency. Dried (DD) and Semi-dried (SD) date fruits were purchased from Lafia main market. The samples were separated, milled and analyzed for proximate components and mineral elements using standard methods of the AOAC. Physical assessment of the samples showed that the weight (%) of flesh was found to be higher than weight of seed for both dried (DD) and semidried (SD) dates (90.38±2.58, 9.62± 1.80 and 94.69±2.15, 5.31±1.60) respectively. Proximate analysis showed that dry matter contents were higher in flesh of DD and SD (95.90±0.12% and 96.93±0.07% respectively) while their respective seeds yielded 94.82 ±0.4 and 94.22±0.30%. Results further showed that the crude protein and carbohydrate were found to be higher in the flesh of both DD and SD than their seeds (P<0.05) while ash, crude fibre and crude lipids were significantly higher (P<0.05) in the seeds than flesh of the dates. The estimated energy value was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the seeds {1198.70±2.20 and 1007.58±1.00 (KJ/100g)} than the flesh {1183.45±3.10 and 992.67±2.10 (KJ/100g)} of DD and SD respectively. Mineral analysis indicated that both seeds and flesh of dates contain appreciable concentrations (mg/100g) of Ca; Mg; P; K; Na; Fe; Cu and Zn. However, moisture level affects mostly mineral composition of date and other nutrients. It could be inferred from the present study generally, that date flesh would serve a good source of fish feed additives while its seeds would best be used as a source of energy for improved feed utilization efficiency.