Chemical composition and oral toxicity assessment of Anisophyllea boehmii Engl. (Umushindwi) Kernel meal from Burundi, a potential source of animal feed

Abstract

Anisophyllea boehmii Engler (Umushindwi) is a wild and indigenous species in Burundi with high socio-economic and nutritional interest. Recent studies revealed that A. boehmii kernels yield a substantial quantity of oil with physicochemical quality. The present study aims to valorize a meal which is a by-product of A. boehmii kernel oil extraction, by evaluating its chemical composition and performing acute toxicity tests. The results show water (8.22-12.68%) and ash (3.27-3.63%) content; and mineral composition comparable to those of most other known meals. The meal under study is particularly rich in protein (21.54-25.29%), potassium (5349-6746 mg kg-1), phosphorus (3582-4202 mg kg-1) and magnesium (949-1356 mg kg-1). The acute oral toxicity test revealed no toxicity of A. boehmii kernel meal. The important level of protein and minerals places the A. boehmii kernel meal amongst meals which are recognized as good quality resource for animal feed. Furthermore, since the acute toxicity tests did not show any danger of its consumption, the A. boehmii kernel meal becomes a potential alternative resource for conventionally used in animal feed. For a better use of this resource, we suggest an analysis of the amino acid composition of the proteins, the different components of the carbohydrates, and subacute and chronic  toxicity tests.