Nutrient composition of Nigerian palm kernel from the dura and tenera varieties of the oil palm (Elaeis guineensis)

The dura and tenera varieties of the oil palm from Calaro Oil Palm Estate, Akamkpa in Cross River State, Nigeria and NIFOR Experimental Oil Palm Stati on, Abak in Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria were studied to evaluate their proxima te, mineral, toxicant and fatty acid compositions. These parameters were de termined for both undefatted and defatted samples. The defatted samples had higher nutrient levels than the undefatted ones. The dura variety had a hi gher moisture content than the tenera in both locations. Antinutrients, suc h as hydrocyanic acid and total oxalate, were also higher in the dura varie ty than the tenera. The mineral analysis of the samples showed high levels of magnesium, manganese, iron, copper, zinc, phosphorus, sodium and potassi um. The tenera variety showed higher values of most of these minerals than the dura in both of the locations. Palm kernel therefore appears to be a go od source of these mineral elements. Phytate and lead were not detected in any of the samples. The fatty acid profile indicated lauric (C 12:0), oleic (C 18:1) and palmitic (C 16:0) to be the major constituent fatty acids of the palm kernel oil samples. There were no significant differences in fatty acid composition between the varieties or locations. (C) 2001 Elsevier Sci ence Ltd. All rights reserved.