Matrix Science Pharma (MSP)

Cassava (Manihot esculenta Crantz) is a perennial crop with an edible starchy tuberous root grown in tropical and subtropical regions. However, limited studies have assessed the antinutritional factors affecting its nutrient availability. This study evaluated the antinutritional composition of two cassava varieties (white TMS 30001 and yellow TMS 30572) grown in Ankpa, Kabba, and Okene (Kogi State) using standard methods. Tubers from Agricultural Development Project (ADP) farms were analyzed at Kogi State University Biochemistry Laboratory for cyanide, tannin, oxalate, phytate, and trypsin inhibitor content. Data were analyzed using ANOVA (SPSS version 20), with Duncan multiple range test (DMRT) for mean separation and T-test for comparing both varieties. Results showed significant differences (P≤0.05) among the antinutrient compositions. In white cassava, Okene tubers had the highest antinutrient values except for phytate (1.71±0.04mg/100g) and tannin (0.36±0.1mg/100g), which were highest in Kabba and Ankpa, respectively. In yellow cassava, Okene had the highest levels of all antinutrients except phytate (3.31±0.10mg/100g) and oxalate (0.23±0.00mg/100g), which were highest in Ankpa. The T-test indicated that white cassava had higher cyanide, oxalate, and trypsin inhibitor levels, while yellow cassava had higher phytate content. Both varieties had similar tannin levels. The lower antinutrient content of yellow cassava suggests it is more suitable for human consumption and livestock feed than white cassava across the three locations.