Abstract:
Proximate composition, some mineral elements and crude fibre content of Leginerea vulgaries (calabash) seeds were
determined. Na and K were estimated using flame photometer, Ca and Mg were determined titrimetrically and the rest
elements were estimated by atomic absorption spectrophometric method. Standard analytical methods were used to determine
proximate composition and crude fibre. The results (in gl100g sample) obtained were 1.S±O.14for moisture, 14.3±0.14 for
crude protein and 67.5±3.53 for crude lipid. Others were total carbohydrate (7.65±0.99), ash (S.75±1.77), crude fibre
(3.25±1.06) and caloric value (695.30kcaIl100g). The seeds are rich in K (2025mg%) and Na (700mg%). Ca, Mg, Cu, Zn, Fe
and Mn were 205mg%, 260mg%, 30mg%, 63mg%, 250mg% and 175mg% respectively. It may be important to study the
availability and nutritional quality of the nutrients in this seed for possible inclusion in humans and animal feeds
