Effect of different processing methods on the chemical compositions of palm kernel meals

Abstract

The study presents comparative proximate and amino acid composition of two differently processed palm kernel meals (PKM) as poultry and livestock feed. The results of the proximate analysis showed 21.35% crude protein (CP) for locally extracted palm kernel meal compared to 14.73% CP for industrial palm kernel meal. Local palm kernel meals also have a higher value of all other nutrient constituents except nitrogen free extract compared to the industrially processed palm meal. However the amino acid composition of the industrial palm kernel meal was higher than that of the local palm kernel meal. These differences were attributed to processing effect. However both palm kernel meal types had sufficient amino aid that could partially meet the requirements of domestic animals. This suggests that palm kernel meal is a suitable cost effective alternative feed. Keywords: Chemical composition, amino acid, processing methods, palm kernel meal