Effects of storage media and duration on nutritional qualities of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)

Effects of storage media and duration on nutritional qualities of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.Walp)

2015

E10537

The assessment of the level of effectiveness of storage media for storage of cowpea and level of nutrient deficiency of cowpea was investigated. The storage media used in the study are; fridge, freezer, airtight container, dry chilli pepper, phostosine and control experiment. Cowpea seeds were stored in each medium for 4 months and at every 4 weeks interval, proximate analysis test was carried out on cowpea in each storage media to determine the level of their protein, fat and moisture content. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) of two factor Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was used to evaluate the effect and significance of each level of duration of storage and storage media on percent moisture content, protein and fat and oil at alpha () = 0.05. The effect of duration of storage, storage media and interaction effect between duration and storage media on percent moisture content, protein and fat and oil of the cowpea stored were statistically analyzed using Duncan's Multiple Range Test (MDRT) at P < 0.05. The traditional method using pepper was observed to be most effective. It recorded the highest value of nutrient at the end of each period of storage. It has 9.2% moisture content, 2.3% fat and 25.10% protein at the 4th weeks of storage. At 16th weeks of storage it recorded 8.42% moisture content, 2.13% fat and 22.53% of protein. Equally, the phostosine method is also very effective, it recorded 8.86% moisture content, 2.81% fat and 23.03% protein at 4th weeks and 9.83% moisture content, 2.54% fat and 21.41% protein at 16th weeks. The storage media can be recommended based on the ability of the media to retain desired nutritive content for a required duration of storage, also cowpea that is to be stored must be kept under optimum moisture content of 1213% and the storage should favour both environmental and room temperature.

8(2):60-65, IOSR JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURE AND VETERINARY SCIENCE

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