Chemical and Nutrient Composition of Cattle Hide (“Welle”) Using Different Processing Methods

This study investigated the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, Pb and Cd in cattle hides (“welle”) processed using either fermentation or singeing with wood, discarded motorbike tyre or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). Crude protein, ether extract and ash contents of “welle” were also determined. Heavy metal levels in fermented and singed samples ranged from 73.13 to 264.14 mg Fe/kg; 5.84 to 40.04 mg Mn/kg; 0.19 to 20.31 mg Cu/kg and 3.29 to 35.31 mg Zn/kg respectively. The contents of Pb and Cd in the hides were below detectable limits. Fermented treatments recorded significantly higher (p<0.05) metals compared to singed treatments. Percentage CP, EE and ash values for both un-singed and singed hides ranged from 85.60 to 93.60, 4.0 to 11.67, and 0.83 to 1.67 respectively. Suggestions were made about how to produce “welle” in an environmentally friendly manner.