SWEET POTATO

This study was carried out to develop feed grades (25% 50%, 75%), from Sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas L. LAM) leaf protein concentrate and peeled tubers. The leaf protein concentrate was extracted using heat coagulation method, while the peeled potato tubers were thoroughly dried before grinding. Both products were reconstituted with a known volume of water and then left to dry before being subjected to analysis for some chemical composition. The proximate and mineral compositions were significantly different across the treatments (p <0.05). The dry matter of the 100SPLPC was 90.25%, which was not significantly different from 89.86% for 100PT (p > 0.05). The crude protein of 100SPLPC was revealed to be significantly higher (39.84%) than that of 100PT (p <0.05). The crude fibre of 100SPLPC was significantly lower (1.11%) than 100PT (7.93%). Ether extract content was higher in 100SPLPC (9.93%) than in 100PT (5.30%). 100PT also revealed a higher ash content (8.37%) than 100SPLPC (5.83%) at p < 0.05. The NFE content of 100SPLPC was significantly lower (43.29%) than that of 100PT at p < 0.05. The minerals, Ca, K, P, Na, Mg, Zn, Mn and Fe were found to be significantly higher in the peeled tuber than the leaf protein concentrate (p < 0.05), hence justifying the inclusion of the peeled tuber to the diet. Sweet potato leaf protein concentrate and peeled tuber have the potential to be used as a feed resource in the livestock industry.