The nutritive value of monkey pod ( Samanea saman)

Abstract

The results of chemical analysis of pods, pulpy mesocarps and seeds of S. saman [ Albizia saman] are presented. Mean moisture content was 4.110.06, 58.421.62 and 6.190.24%, respectively. Pods and seeds had oil 0.820.02 and 11.200.20, crude protein (CP) 28.480.28 and 30.370.60, crude fibre 33.400.35 and 16.150.10, total carbohydrate 26.730.16 and 34.890.08, ash 4.160.03 and 2.160.04%. The light brown seed oil had free fatty acids 5.620.38%, acid value 8.360.49, saponification value 192.754.20, iodine value 92.623.10 and peroxide value 4.050.26. Unsaturated fatty acids made up 90% of the 9 fatty acids detected. Seed protein was rich in tryptophan and lysine (16.24 and 14.98 g/100 g). Methionine and proline were the most limiting amino acids. The pulpy mesocarp contained 32.65% sugars with fructose predominant (16.200.14%). Potassium and sodium in seeds were 1.860.07 and 0.980.08 g/100 g. It is concluded that seeds may be suitable for feeding cattle and poultry with a complimentary cereal. Pods are considered unsuitable for animal feeds because of a high ash content.