Abstract

Annongu A. A., Adeloye A. A. , Atteh J. O. , Joseph J. K. , Toye A. A. , Kayode R. M. O., Adeyina O. A. , Ogunbode A. A. , Okukpe K. M. and Adeyemi K. D.

Ackee apple seeds from fruits of ackee trees grown in Ilorin, were processed into meal (AASM) by soaking (48 h), boiling (90 min) followed by addition of glycine and riboflavin to antagonize the toxic principles in ackee namely hypoglycin A and B. The treated AASM was included in diets at 17.50% in a complete randomized design experiment using 96-day old cockerels. Bioavailability and utilization of micro and macro-nutrients in AASM in diets by the cockerels were evaluated comparing with those on the conventional diet. The availability and utilization of the macro-minerals, Ca, Na, K similarly gave values on the treated AASM diets that were comparable or even superior to values on the control diet (P<0.05). The ratios of Na/K and Ca/P obtained were within the limit recommended for good health. Based on the findings of this study, it is concluded that inclusion of treated AASM in diet at 17.50% has no adverse effects on bioavailability and utilization of minerals in the cockerels