| Description | ABSTRACT
This research is on effect of poultry manure on the growth and yield of Tefera. A field trial was carried out at the Imopoly Farm to determine the effects of rate of poultry manure on the growth and yield of Watermelon. Six different rates of poultry manure were replicated three times on eighteen beds. The treatments were; control plot, 2 tons/ha, 4 tons/ha, 6 tons/ha, 8 tons/ha, 10 tons/ha. The treatments were arranged in a completely randomized block design. The experiment was carried out between February, 2011 and April 2011.
Data were taken on the growth and yield parameters. Five plants were randomly selected and tagged per plot for data collection. Establishment count; Plant height; Stem girth; Number of leaves per plant and Leaf area, were taken at 5 WAP and at harvest, to assess growth. Number of fruits per plant; Fresh fruit weight per bed, were taken to assess the yield.
The results of this study showed that Watermelon growth is not significantly different at 5 WAP. At harvesting, highest stem girth of 32.40mm was obtained with 4tons/ha while the lowest of 28.50mm was from 6tons/ha. Watermelon yield of 1.69kg was highest from 6tons/ha, while the lowest of 0.87kg was got from 4tons/ha.
The results of the study have shown that Watermelon will still perform fairly well without fertilizers on regularly - fertilized soils | Abstract
This research work examined and compares the physicochemical properties and some chemical constituents of selected energy drinks. Fourteen (14) brands of energy drinks samples consisting eleven (11) liquid and three (3) powdered forms were randomly purchased. All samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids), trace and heavy metals, aspartame, sugar and caffeine contents. Results showed that the physicochemical properties (i.e. pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids) ranged from 4.47 ± 0.012 - 5.96 ± 0.012, 8 ± 0.577
592 ± 1.155 NTU, 2.21 ± 0.006 1975 ± 1.732 µs/cm, and 243 ± 0.577 1064 ± 0.577 mg/L respectively. Energy drinks analyzed all fell within the FDA recommended range for the physicochemical properties analyzed. Iron, calcium, zinc and potassium were found in all the energy drinks and their concentration ranged from 1.961 ± 0.0003 - 0.294 ± 0.0005 mg/L, 2.763 ± 0.0009 - 19.310 ± 0.0015 mg/L, 0.045 ± 0.0001 - 13.887 ± 0.0037 mg/L, and 2.0 to 2500 mg/L respectively. The copper, lead and manganese concentration of energy drinks ranged from 0.002 ± 0.0002 - 0.102 ± 0.0003 mg/L, 0.028 ± 0.0006 - 0.209
± 0.0009 mg/L and 0.003 ± 0.0001 - 0.024 ± 0.0002 mg/L respectively. The concentration of copper and manganese were below the MCL of 1.0 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively while lead had a concentration above the MCL of 0.01 mg/L. Cadmium was not detected in all energy drinks except for sample EJ which had a concentration of 0.102 ± 0.0003 mg/L and exceeded the MCL of 0.005 mg/L. The caffeine, aspartame and sugar concentrations ranged from 1.11 mg/L 2487.13 mg/L, 6.51 mg/L 1491.19 mg/L, and 16.98 1686.73 mg/L respectively. Caffeine and aspartame concentrations in all the energy drink samples were below the FDA set standard of 400 mg/L and 3000 mg/L respectively except for sample AL which had a concentration above the set standard for
caffeine. Though the analyzed parameters were mostly below the set standards, especially caffeine, aspartame and sugar, it is important that the pattern of consumption of these drinks must be monitored to minimize ingestion of excess doses of harmful substances to prevent the reported adverse effects. | ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine the presence of Salmonella species in Frozen Foods in Owerri in August, 2000. A total of 30 Food samples were collected from the different market in ten different locations in Owerri and examined for the presence of Salmonella. After the culturing and biochemical tests, three different Salmonella species were isolated and they include: Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella paratyphi A. out of the 30 Food samples examined, Salmonella were found in 20 (66.67%). Out of the total samples examined, Salmonella typhi were isolated with the prevalence rate of 12 (40%) from 30 samples, Salmonella paratyphi A were isolated with the prevalence rate of 5 (16.67%), and Salmonella typhimurium were isolated with the prevalence rate of 3 (10%). | ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine the presence of Salmonella species in Frozen Foods in Owerri in August, 2000. A total of 30 Food samples were collected from the different market in ten different locations in Owerri and examined for the presence of Salmonella. After the culturing and biochemical tests, three different Salmonella species were isolated and they include: Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella paratyphi A. out of the 30 Food samples examined, Salmonella were found in 20 (66.67%). Out of the total samples examined, Salmonella typhi were isolated with the prevalence rate of 12 (40%) from 30 samples, Salmonella paratyphi A were isolated with the prevalence rate of 5 (16.67%), and Salmonella typhimurium were isolated with the prevalence rate of 3 (10%). | ABSTRACT
The level of some nutrient elements in Abuja surface water were investigated for six months to determine the eutrophication profile and make logical inference on the fate of surface water system in the nearest future. Samplings were done monthly for a period of six months covering October to March and standard methods were used for the measurement of some nutrients constituting the indices of eutrophication. The results showed high levels of microbial activities. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) showed high levels of pollution which varied with time and velocity of water current. Other parameters investigated were chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate concentration, total dissolved solid (TDS), conductivity, algae count, temperature, pH, phosphate and potassium concentrations. Maximum and minimum values of some eutrophication parameters in the sites were recorded as follows: BOD ( Orozo 38mg/L- 7.37mg/L, Gidan Mangoro 31.2mg/L- 5.08mg/L, Nyanya 32.4mg/L- 10.05mg/L, Wuse 40.30mg/L- 7.007mg/L, Jabi 26.50mg/L- 3.10mg/L). Similarly total dissolved solid maximum and minimum values in the sites were given as Orozo 1222mg/L- 105.1mg/L, Gidan Mangoro 861.0mg/L-148.8mg/L, Nyanya 676.0mg/L- 127.6mg/L, Wuse 200.0mg/L- 86.2mg/L, Jabi 846.0mg/L-151.8mg/L. These results point to eutrophication indicators in Abuja surface water system. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may be significantly increased beyond their compensation level by the growing human population in Abuja metropolis. | ABSTRACT
This research is on the anti-nutritional composition of Okro seeds flour at different stages of maturity at harvest were analyzed. The anti-nutritional composition of Okro seeds flour at different stages of maturity at harvest were analyzed. The Okro fruits were harvest at one and two, weeks maturity after fruity. They were de-husked prior to the determination of anti-nutritional composition. The results were statistically analyzed descriptively and correlatively at 95% confidence limit. The tannin, saponine alkaloid, flavonoid, sterol and cyanides contents of the seeds increase with maturity. The increments were as follows: (1.49-278)%, (1.18-1.48)%, (0.95-1.25)%, (0.62-0.80)%, (0.80-0.4)%, (9.55-17.58)%
It was also revealed that, the cyanide content was the highest with (9.55-17.58)% while the sterol content was the least with (0.08-0.14)% in composition. However, phytate, oxalate, haemoglutnin, trysin inhibitor, reduced with the seed maturity which ranged from (0.76-0.59)%, (1.23-0.84)% (8.75-5.83) Hu/s and (634.25-379.59) Tu/s respectively. The anti-nutrients examined were high. This implied that before the matured Okro seeds could be used in food and animal feed formulation, it has to be subjected to those pre-processing operation that could help reduce the anti-nutritional composition level. |
| Content | CHAPTER ONE
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 EFFECT OF POULTRY MANURE ON THE GROWTH AND YIELD OF TERFERA.
This research is on effect of poultry manure on the growth and yield of Tefera. Watermelon, (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) is an important vegetable crop in the tropics, Nigeria inclusive. The fresh Watermelon pod contains approximately 86.1% water, 2.25% protein, 0.2% fats, 9.7% carbohydrate, 1.0% fibre and 0.8% ash (Purseglove, 1984). Watermelon is one of the most common vegetables available all year round in Nigeria due to regular rainfall and irrigation system. The fruit is considerably important in the diet of people around the world, particularly for those in West Africa and other tropical areas whose staple food consists of bulk starchy foods like pounded yam, cassava flour and others. Watermelon is also used to compliment such staple foods since it is a good source of vitamin, minerals, and proteins (Funso and Bassir, 1976). The fruit contains mucilage which gives a slippery texture on cooking which can be served as a thickener. Watermelon fruit contains vitamins A and C with traces of vitamin B. It is a good source of calcium, phosphorus and iron. It contains 2.7 - 3.0% protein and a significant amount of riboflavin. The consumption of these edible parts has been reported by Fatokun (1976) to promote digestion and helps prevent constipation. It is also used as a medicine for the treatment of peptic ulcer. It is also used in the manufacture of margarine. It is used in curries and chutneys and as a substitute for coffee in India. Watermelon seed cake is rich in protein and makes an invaluable animal feed. In various parts of the world, it is known as Watermelon, Ochro, Okoro, Quimgombo, Quingumbo, Ladies Fingers, Gombo, Kopi Arab, Kacang Bendi, Bhindi (S. Asia), Bendi (Malaysia), Bamia, Bamya or Bamieh (middle east) or Gumbo (Southern USA).
Watermelon is a fruit vegetable, grown mainly for the pods. The tender fruits are used as vegetables
either boiled or sliced and fried. Ripe seeds contain about 20% of edible oil. It is quite susceptible to frost and will not thrive where there is a continuous dry spell. It grows in all types of soils, thriving well in moist, friable, well drained and well matured soils (Tindal, 1983).
The mucilage is extracted and used in gum production. Medicinal use of Watermelon is the role of the pod mucilage in plasma replacement or as blood volume expander. The immature fruits are used in the treatment of venerable diseases (Olajide, 1995).
Nitrogen is an important and commonly deficient nutrient element in tropical soils and it is generally needed in large amount by plants. It is an integral part of the chlorophyll (Epstein, 1972). Nitrogen is a key element required for plant growth and the symptoms of soil nitrogen deficiency range from leaf chlorosis to stunted growth and eventually poor yield. Different opinions have been expressed with regards to Watermelon fertilization using organic manures like poultry droppings, cowdung. For instance, Schippers (2000) recommended poultry manure to be applied at the rate of 20tonnes /ha before sowing. This is consistent with Kogbe's (1976) recommendation of 20tonnes /ha. Among all the organic manures, poultry manure is the easiest to access in South Western Nigeria.
Poultry manure has been found to produce higher seed yield in maize than cattle manure. This was attributed to the higher content of nitrogen and phosphorus in poultry manure coupled with the fact that it furnishes the soil with more magnesium and trace elements (Purseglove, 1984).
1.2 Problem statement
Emphasis is now placed on use of organic manures instead of inorganic sources of nutrients because of the need to take pure foods devoid of chemical elements that are easily absorbed from inorganic sources of nutrients. Using inorganic fertilizers in lowland areas may also increase dangers of underground water pollution. Farmers cannot afford to use mineral fertilizers to boost their vegetable yields. Using these chemicals, especially on Watermelon or tomatoes that are consumed fresh may increase the dangers of ingesting these chemicals that are absorbed and partitioned to fruit or to economic yield of such crops (Williams and Harris 1986).
Information on the effects of these organic sources particularly, poultry dropping on Watermelon fruit yield and utilization of the nutrients absorbed is still not too abundant in literature. Therefore, the need to assess poultry manure effect on the yield of Watermelon.
1.3 Nutritional Benefits of Watermelon Composition per 100 g of edible portion in Watermelon
Moisture 89.6 g Minerals 0.7 g
Protein 1.9 g Carbohydrates 6.4
Fat 0.2 g Calcium 66 m
Fibre 1.2 g Iron 0.35 mg
Calories 35 Potassium 103 mg
Phosphorus 56 mg Thiamine 0.07 mg
Sodium 6.9 mg Nictonic acid 0.6 mg
Sulphur 30 mg Vitamin C 13 mg
Riboflavin 0.1 mg Magnesium 53 mg
Oxalic acid 8 mg Copper 0.19 mg
1.4 Objective of the Study
The objective of the study therefore was to evaluate the effects of rate of poultry manure application on the growth and yield of Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus var. lanatus) | Abstract
This research work examined and compares the physicochemical properties and some chemical constituents of selected energy drinks. Fourteen (14) brands of energy drinks samples consisting eleven (11) liquid and three (3) powdered forms were randomly purchased. All samples were analyzed for their physicochemical properties (pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids), trace and heavy metals, aspartame, sugar and caffeine contents. Results showed that the physicochemical properties (i.e. pH, turbidity, conductivity and total dissolved solids) ranged from 4.47 ± 0.012 - 5.96 ± 0.012, 8 ± 0.577
592 ± 1.155 NTU, 2.21 ± 0.006 1975 ± 1.732 µs/cm, and 243 ± 0.577 1064 ± 0.577 mg/L respectively. Energy drinks analyzed all fell within the FDA recommended range for the physicochemical properties analyzed. Iron, calcium, zinc and potassium were found in all the energy drinks and their concentration ranged from 1.961 ± 0.0003 - 0.294 ± 0.0005 mg/L, 2.763 ± 0.0009 - 19.310 ± 0.0015 mg/L, 0.045 ± 0.0001 - 13.887 ± 0.0037 mg/L, and 2.0 to 2500 mg/L respectively. The copper, lead and manganese concentration of energy drinks ranged from 0.002 ± 0.0002 - 0.102 ± 0.0003 mg/L, 0.028 ± 0.0006 - 0.209
± 0.0009 mg/L and 0.003 ± 0.0001 - 0.024 ± 0.0002 mg/L respectively. The concentration of copper and manganese were below the MCL of 1.0 mg/L and 0.05 mg/L respectively while lead had a concentration above the MCL of 0.01 mg/L. Cadmium was not detected in all energy drinks except for sample EJ which had a concentration of 0.102 ± 0.0003 mg/L and exceeded the MCL of 0.005 mg/L. The caffeine, aspartame and sugar concentrations ranged from 1.11 mg/L 2487.13 mg/L, 6.51 mg/L 1491.19 mg/L, and 16.98 1686.73 mg/L respectively. Caffeine and aspartame concentrations in all the energy drink samples were below the FDA set standard of 400 mg/L and 3000 mg/L respectively except for sample AL which had a concentration above the set standard for
caffeine. Though the analyzed parameters were mostly below the set standards, especially caffeine, aspartame and sugar, it is important that the pattern of consumption of these drinks must be monitored to minimize ingestion of excess doses of harmful substances to prevent the reported adverse effects. | ABSTRACT
A study was conducted to determine the presence of Salmonella species in Frozen Foods in Owerri in August, 2000. A total of 30 Food samples were collected from the different market in ten different locations in Owerri and examined for the presence of Salmonella. After the culturing and biochemical tests, three different Salmonella species were isolated and they include: Salmonella typhi, Salmonella typhimurium and Salmonella paratyphi A. out of the 30 Food samples examined, Salmonella were found in 20 (66.67%). Out of the total samples examined, Salmonella typhi were isolated with the prevalence rate of 12 (40%) from 30 samples, Salmonella paratyphi A were isolated with the prevalence rate of 5 (16.67%), and Salmonella typhimurium were isolated with the prevalence rate of 3 (10%). | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
Illnesses from food are one of the most important economic and health problems among industrial and non-industrial countries. In recent years, Salmonella has been one of the most common causes of food born disease Salmonellosis is an infectious disease which often occurs through contaminated food, especially food products with an animal origin such as meat, chicken, egg, animal foods and sometimes vegetables in the food chain. In developing countries, estimation of Salmonelosis is difficult because there has not been sufficient surveillance. Therefore, globally, many studies have been performed reporting that the prevalence and kind of salmonella serotypes are different based on geographical regions. Salmonella entericaserovars Enteritidis and Typhimurium were reported to be the two most frequent serotypes of Salmonella isolated in Iran and other countries. During the two past decades, the emergence of antibiotic-resistant Salmonella has become a serious problem worldwide. Wide usage of antibiotics in the diet of domestic animals has made drug resistant bacteria which could be transfered to human beings. Also, in recent years, problem of resistant strains to multiple drugs (MDR) is increasing and most studies in Iran and other countries have shown high resistance of Salmonella strains to several antibiotics It belongs to the family Emtero-bacteriaceae and it is a facultative anaerobic gram-negative bacillus that parasitizes the intestine of a large number of vertebrate species. It also infects man leading to enteric fever, gastroenteritis and septicemia, collectively known as Salmonellosis infection.
Of all the enterobacteriaceae, the genus salmonella is the most complex with more than 2,000 closely related bacteria that causes illness by reproducing in the digestive tract. (Aora, 2004). Each salmonella subgroup or serotype share common antigen and has its own name and the antigenic complexity of the bacteria have been described by Kauffman-White scheme. According to this scheme, the terminology that identifies the particular protein coats, or serovars, is not well settled, and what previously were thought to be various species of the genus Salmonella are now thought to be serovars of only two species by many researchers, Salmonella enterica and Samonella bongori.
However, these designations are not always accepted in the scientific literature and so common serovars that have been named in the past are still used (for example, S. typhi, S. typhimurium, S. enteritidis, S. cholerasuis, S. saintpaul ). The Serovars are identified by the Kauffman-White classification that uses two major types of antigens (Somatic O and flagella H) to distinguish the over 2, 500 types of samonella bacteria. Initially each Salmonella species was named according to clinical consideration, e.g. Salmonella typhi-murium (mouse typhoid fever), S. cholerae-suis (hog cholera). After it was recognized that host specificity did not exist for many species, new strains (or serovar, short for serological variants) received species name according to the location at which the new strain was first isolated.
Serovar Typhimurium has considerable diversity and may be very old. The majority of the isolates belong to a single clonal complex. Isolates are divided into phage types, but some phage types do not have a single origin as determined using mutational changes. Phage type DT104 is heterogeneous and represented in multiple sequence types, with its multidrug-resistant variant being the most successful and causing epidemics in many parts of the world. Serovar typhi is relatively young compared to Typhimurium, and probably originated approximately 30,000-50,000 year ago. The common salmonella serotypes that are important in Animals and mammals include;
* Salmonella enterica subspecies arizonae – is found in cold-blooded animals, poultry, mammals.
* Serovars of Salmonella enterica subspecies enterica.
* Salmonella choleraesuis (Bacillus paratyphoid B and C). This is an intestinal commensalists in pigs; it becomes pathogenic if resistance is weak; humans can be infected by ingesting sick animals; the bacteria cause septicemic salmonellosis in swine.
* Salmonella enteritidis – It is found in the intestines of cattle, rodents, ducks and humans; it causes calf paratyphoid fever and acute gastroenteritis in humans.
* Salmonella paratyphi B, in central Europe usually human pathogen, causes paratyphoid fever.
* Salmonella typhi, occurs in temperate and subtropical zones. It is the human pathogen of typhoid fever; 3-5% of persons falling ill remain permanent carriers of the pathogen.
* Salmonella typhimurium, causes a wide range of infections in birds to severe systemic paratyphoid diseases. It causes salmonella enteritis (food poisoning) in humans.
* Salmonella dublin, one of the pathogens causing cattle salmonellosis.
* Salmonella typhisuis, one of the pathogen causing hog Salmonellosis.
* Salmonella brandenburg, causes abortion and enteritis in shepherd cattle.
* Salmonella anatum and Salmonella montevideo.
Animals consume Salmonella from the soil or contaminated processed food e.g. feeds. The bacteria are then shed alive in the infected animals’ faeces.
Humans on the other hand consume Salmonella through contact with Unclean food, particularly in institutional kitchens and restaurants. Excretions from either sick or infected but apparently clinically healthy people and animals (especially endangered are caregivers and animals). Polluted surface Food and standing Food (such as in shower hoses or unused Food dispensers). Unhygienically thawed fowl (the melt Food contains many bacteria).
An association with reptiles (Pet tortoises and snakes) primarily aquatic turtles is well described.
Salmonella bacteria can survive several weeks in a dry environment and several months in Food; thus, they are frequently found in polluted Food, contamination from the excrement of carrier animals being particularly important. Aquatic vertebrates, notably birds and reptiles, are important vectors of salmonella. Poultry, cattle, and sheep are frequently agents of contamination. Salmonella can be found in food, particularly meats and raw eggs.
Salmonella infections other than typhoid fever are termed enteric fever, salmonella food poisoning and gastroenteritis. These diseases are usually less severe than typhoid fever and are scribed to one of the many serotypes of Salmonella enteritidis. Most outbreaks of epidemics and food poisoning in humans and animals are caused by salmonella enteritidis and Salmonella typhimurium, others are Salmonella Dublin, Salmonella Thompson. Non-typhodial salmonellosis are more prevalent than typhoid fever and currently holding steady at 40,000 to 50,000 case a year. All strains are zoonotic in origin though human may be some carriers under certain circumstances by contrast. The type of salmonella that affect humans usually cause disease which can be recognized by diarrhea, vomiting.
Diarrohoeal disease seems to be one of the major health hazards both for human and animals. Many salmonella grow in the gut of their host and once in the gut, salmonella wave-long filament called flagella moves about until they touch a suitable cell. The bacteria stick to the cell and are “swallowed” smaller “hairs” called fimbriae are important in stimulating immunity in the host.
THE AIMS OF THIS STUDY ARE:
- To isolate salmonella species from Frozen Foods in Owerri.
- To identify the isolated species.
- To identify the market location from where salmonella were isolated.
- To determine the locations (or market) with the high isolation numbers.
| ABSTRACT
The level of some nutrient elements in Abuja surface water were investigated for six months to determine the eutrophication profile and make logical inference on the fate of surface water system in the nearest future. Samplings were done monthly for a period of six months covering October to March and standard methods were used for the measurement of some nutrients constituting the indices of eutrophication. The results showed high levels of microbial activities. Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) showed high levels of pollution which varied with time and velocity of water current. Other parameters investigated were chemical oxygen demand (COD), nitrate concentration, total dissolved solid (TDS), conductivity, algae count, temperature, pH, phosphate and potassium concentrations. Maximum and minimum values of some eutrophication parameters in the sites were recorded as follows: BOD ( Orozo 38mg/L- 7.37mg/L, Gidan Mangoro 31.2mg/L- 5.08mg/L, Nyanya 32.4mg/L- 10.05mg/L, Wuse 40.30mg/L- 7.007mg/L, Jabi 26.50mg/L- 3.10mg/L). Similarly total dissolved solid maximum and minimum values in the sites were given as Orozo 1222mg/L- 105.1mg/L, Gidan Mangoro 861.0mg/L-148.8mg/L, Nyanya 676.0mg/L- 127.6mg/L, Wuse 200.0mg/L- 86.2mg/L, Jabi 846.0mg/L-151.8mg/L. These results point to eutrophication indicators in Abuja surface water system. The results showed that the concentrations of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium may be significantly increased beyond their compensation level by the growing human population in Abuja metropolis. | CHAPTER ONE
INTRODUCTION
This research is on the anti-nutritional composition of Okro seeds flour at different stages of maturity at harvest were analyzed. Okra (Abelmoschus. esculentus) is one of the important vegetable with tremendous nutritional values. To meet demand for nutritionally balanced food for the world’s increasing population and relieve the intense pressure, plant species used as food must be diversified (Hughes, 2001). Inclusion of a wide array of indigenous vegetables species in cereals, tubers and livestock based agriculture will be crucial to contribute to food nutritional security and income diversification for stake holders in the subsistence farming system that predominate in the under development and developing world.
Okra has considerable area under cultivation in Africa and Asia with huge socioeconomic potential. In the African context, Okra has been called as a perfect villager’s vegetable because of its robust nature dietary fibers and distinct seed protein balanced in both lysine and tryptophane amino acids, it provides to diet (NAP, 2006).
However, Okra has been considered a minor crop and until recently no attention was paid to its improvement in the international research program. This review presents a general overview of Okra’s nutritional and economic potential with special reference to past and recent progress on its improvement Okra is also called Okra, Ochro, lady’s finger etc. it is of different cultivars, which vary in time of planting to maturity, colour of leaves, steam, length, shape of fruit and other characters. Okra is traditionally grown in a region of many countries especially. Nigeria, Ghana, Asia etc. (de lannoy, 2001) Okra have a great potential to improve the nutrition and thereby health of consumers as most are good sources of vitamins, minerals and proteins needed for the proper functioning and development of the human body.
Okra fruit can be dried whole or sliced and subsequently consumed, before selling, the dried product is usually ground to a powder (slemonsma and kouame 2004). Okra can be preserved by fermentation canned out at 30oc.
Drying is the most common form of food preservation and extends the food shelf life. The major objective in drying agricultural products is the reduction of the moisture content to a level which allows safe storage over an extended period. Also it brings about substantial reduction in weight and volume minimizing packaging storage and transportation. (Okras et al.,1992). The drying method is by sundry but it required long drying time that may have adverse consequences in the product quality which may contaminate the end product by dust and insects or suffer from enzyme.
Recently an attention has been given to the use of Okra seeds an a source of proteins (about 20% of dry matter) and vegetable oil (about 14% of dry matter). Seeds contain mainly monounsaturated fatly acids and palmitic acid and their high Lysine level, (Adelakun et al 2008). Sometimes, the seeds are roasted and used as a substitute for coffee. Apart from its nutritive value the stem and fruit sheath used in the manufacture of paper as they contain more of the crude fibre.
At a particular stage of maturity of Okra fruits they cannot be consumed because they become too fibrous and difficult to slice. The fruits are discard or either stored for the next planting season. To minimize post-harvest food causes therefore, this work was aimed at investigating on the effect on maturity stage at harvest on the anti-nutritional composition of Okra seeds, (Agbo et al 2008). Also the result from the work will help to promote industrial application of the Okra seeds. |
