Assessment of Proximate, Mineral and amino acid Profile of Selected Agro-Allied By-Products Residues in Umuagwo, Imo State Nigeria

This study presents the first comparative analysis of proximate, mineral and amino acid composition of selected agricultural crop residues as potential feed ingredients in livestock and poultry production. Selected Agricultural residues were purchased from the Eke Market in Umuagwo. Representative samples were collected and subjected to proximate analysis proximate, mineral and amino acid using standard analytical protocols to evaluate their nutritive potentials for utilization as feedstuffs for livestock feeds. Chemical analyses of samples were carried out in triplicates. Data obtained was analyzed using SPSS. The results revealed that the ash content differed (P<0.05) significantly among the agro-allied residues. The highest values of ash content (%) was recorded in TNW (4.11%) while the least was gotten from GSW (2.21 %). The crude fibre in the samples significantly (P<0.05) differed. Crude fibre was appreciably higher in TNW (13.18 %) while the least value of CF was obtained from GSW (8.19 %). The crude protein content of samples was significantly higher in TNW with a value of 2.31% while the least crude protein content was gotten from BFH (1.31 %). The Carbohydrate contents were considerably higher in BFH (21.14 %) while TNW had the least Carbohydrate contents (18.89 %). The moisture contents in Agro-allied residues were 15.02%, 13.01% and 17.86 for TNW, GSW and BFH respectively and varied significantly among the residues (P<0.05). There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in the lipid contents of the samples. The highest value of lipid contents was obtained from TNW (0.31 %) while GSW had the least lipid contents (0.03 %).Calcium content ranged from 11.55 mg/100g to 13.5 mg/100g. Calcium is highest in TNW (13.5 mg/100g) and lowest in GSW (11.55 mg/100g). The Magnesium levels in the residues varied from 13.9 mg/100g to 21.6 mg/100g, and the residues of the BFH had the highest K content while TNW had the least. Potassium content in the residues varied from 10.08 mg/100g to 15.3 mg/100g. The results also revealed traces of micro elements (Manganese, Zinc and Iron) in the samples. Manganese, Zinc and Iron contents ranged from 0.03 mg/100g to 3.12 mg/100g; 0.01 mg/100g to 0.03 mg/100g; and 1.43 mg/100g to 1.44 mg/100g. Amino acid profile in the agro-allied residues followed the pattern: TNW>GSW>BFH. The results obtained showed that TNW, GWS and BFH can be utilized as unconventional feed resources in poultry and livestock nutrition in Nigeria. This study offers key insights into the energy potential and mineral composition of agricultural residues, reinforcing their viability for bioenergy applications and mineral recovery. The production of livestock feed from agricultural residues would also serve as an effective and attractive method to manage the wastes.