Leaf protein concentrate production from Stizolobium aterrimum

In a random block design with 4 replications, the performance of Stizolobiu m aterrimum during the flowering stage (14 to 17 weeks) was studied for the production of lear protein concentrates (LPC). The experiment was sown on a typical red ferrallitic soil and protein extraction was carried out at pH 4.5 and 85 degreesC. Forage production which did not differ varied between 5.5 and 6.5 t DM/ha. CP values reached 26.99% at the 16th week differing ( P < 0.05) from the 14th week (22.37%). The LPC production was higher (P < 0 .001) at the 14th week (487.71 kg DM/ha) when yield was reduced. The highes t protein content of the concentrates is obtained at 14 weeks (45.55%), wit hout differing from 16 and 17 weeks. The percentage of crude protein extrac ted decreased (P < 0.01) from the 14th to the 15th week. The fibrous residu es that did not differ significantly between weeks, reached yields of 3.75 to 4.80 t DM/ha and its protein remained (P < 0.05) at 16.18 to 20.21%. The 14th week is considered as the best rime for LPC preparation in S. aterrim um, according to the period studied and under the conditions in which the e xperiment was conducted. Further physiological and nutritional studies are recommended to demonstrate the feasibility of its use as a non-conventional feeding source for monogastric animals.