Phytochemical and Mineral Composition of Raw Cocoyam (Xanthosoma Mafafa) Tuber Meal

This study evaluated the phytochemical and mineral composition of raw cocoyam (Xanthosoma mafafa) tuber meal, a potential alternative feed source for livestock. Tubers of the X. mafafa variety of cocoyam were harvested from Owerri, Imo State. The tubers were cleaned, washed, and left to dry in the shade, then weighed. After that, they were peeled, cut into smaller sizes, and ground into pulp using a locally fabricated grinder. The wet pulp was collected and blanched within three hours. The cocoyam tuber meal was dried under shade for seven days to retain its quality, stored in a plastic bag, labeled, and later taken to the laboratory for analysis. Anti-nutritional factors, including tannins (1771.80 ± 87.85mg/kg), oxalates (374.25 ± 170.66 mg/kg), phenols (726.43 ± 390.10 mg/kg), phytates (44.73 ± 0.60 mg/kg), and trypsin inhibitors (992.78 ±22.58 mg/kg). Mineral analysis demonstrated significant levels of potassium (19966.22 ± 99.40 mg/kg), sodium (4293.55 ± 13.10 mg/kg), magnesium (1638.43 ± 15.20 mg/kg), and calcium (522.60 ± 10.98 mg/kg). Microminerals such as iron (96.40 ± 1.98 mg/kg), zinc (64.31 ± 1.80 mg/kg), manganese (17.97 ± 0.71 mg/kg), and copper (.20 ± 0.20 mg/kg) were also present. The Ca and Na ratios were determined as 0.76 and 0.216, respectively. Raw X. mafafa tuber meal has high levels of tannins, oxalates, phenols, phytates, and trypsin inhibitors, posing challenges that can be mitigated with processing. Its mineral content suggests low and mild supplementation for poultry diets. Further research on processing methods is needed for optimal livestock use.