Proximate, minerals and anti-nutritional assessment of cassava (Manihot esculentus).

Abstract

Three samples of cassava leaves (tender, matured and wilted) of the same variety were analyzed for proximate and mineral contents and anti-nutritional factors. The leaves contained mean values for crude protein as 14.41+ 2.46%, crude fibre 7.87 + 2.42%, Ash 6.22 + 2.89%, fat 1.53 + 0.57, Total carbohydrate 26.25 + 13.20% and moisture 43.72 + 15.86%. K, Na, Fe, Zn, and Mg were the most abundant minerals with mean values as follows 1906.84 + 31.35, 777.76 + 46.66, 241.27 + 4.31, 99.75 + 1.65 and 66.24 + 2.04 ppm respectively, while the least was Mn with mean thus 0.52 + 04 ppm. Anti-nutritional factors varied in the order oftannin> oxalic acid > saponin > phytic acid > cyanide. Mineral composition, crude fibre, ash content, and total carbohydrate increased with maturity.Crude protein and the anti-nutritional factors decreased with wilting.