EVALUATION OF THE NUTRITIVE VALUE OF COWPEA (Vigna unguiculata) TESTA AS AN ALTERNATIVE FEED INGREDIENT FOR LIVESTOCK PRODUCTION

Abstract

This study was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of dried cowpea (Vigna unguiculata) testa as an alternative feed ingredient for livestock production. With feed costs representing over 70% of total animal production expenses, identifying cost-effective unconventional feed ingredients has become crucial. The research examined the proximate composition, amino acid profile and mineral constituents of cowpea testa obtained from local processors in Gwagwalada-FCT-Abuja. Results on the proximate composition of dried cowpea testa showed that it contained 88.50 % dry matter, 8.20 % crude protein, 3.40 % crude fibre, 9.00 % ash, 1.32 % ether extract and 2472.55 kcal/kg metabolizable energy. Amino acid profile of cowpea testa showed alanine 5.2 %, histidine 2.6 %, arginine 5.7%, isoleucine 4.8%, Aspartic acid 6.0%, leucine 7.2%, cysteine 1.8%, methionine 1.7%, phenylalanine 6.2%, threonine 5.1%, glycine 5.2 %, proline 6.1 %, valine 5.8 %, tyrosine 4.2 %, serine 5.6 % and tryptophan 2.2 %. The sample contained sodium (100.50 mg/100g), potassium (65.45 mg/100g), calcium (50.01 mg/100g), iron (17.02 mg/100g), phosphorus (79.34 mg/100g) and zinc (43.10 mg/100g). The study concludes that cowpea testa represents a viable alternative feed ingredient, particularly as a partial replacement for conventional energy and fibre sources in livestock diets. This utilization would not only reduce feed costs but also minimize environmental pollution.