Abstract

The proximate composition of the seed and seed coat of sour sop (local name chap chap) were investigated with a view of highlighting the nutritional and industrial potentials of the seed. The result of the study revealed 27.34 and 11.4% of protein in the seed and coat, respectively. The percentage constitution of carbohydrate in the seed was 4.36 while that of the coat was 24.69%. There was no trace of oil in the seed coat. However, the percentage of fat in the seed was 22.57%. The percentage ash contents of the seed and coat were respectively 2.29 and 2.58% while the crude fiber contents were 43.44% for seed and 63.32% for coat. The mineral content in mg/100 g of seed : coat was found to be potassium (31.4:35.9), sodium (29.1:30.0); calcium (3.6:10.9); magnesium (53.3:58.6) for the macronutrients.  Investigation of micronutrients in ppm for seed : coat gave for iron (63.2:44.3); zinc (49.1:41:4) and copper (1.0:0.4).  Manganese, lead and cadmium were not detected.  The phytate, tannin and cyanide contents were also determined to be (620.52:188.04) mg/100 g; (2.6:4.9) mg/100 g and (3.71:10.8) mg/kg for seed : coat, respectively.  The result compares favorably with the composition of feeds and supplements commonly used in Nigeria. 

Key words: Sour sop, toxicants, animal feed, proximate & phytate content.