PROXIMATE COMPOSITIONS OF PLANTAIN AND BANANA PEELS: A POTENTIAL ADDITIVE TO ANIMAL FEED

Abstract

Plantain (Musa paradisiaca) and banana (Musa spp.) are widely cultivated tropical fruits that generate significant quantities of peels, often discarded as waste. These peels, constituting 30–45 % of fruit mass, represent a potential source of nutrients for livestock feed. This study evaluated the proximate composition of dried plantain and banana peels to assess their suitability as alternative feed ingredients. Samples were collected locally, washed, air-dried, and analyzed for moisture, crude fibre, crude protein, fat, ash, and carbohydrate content following standard AOAC methods. Results showed that plantain peels contained 72.19 % carbohydrates, 8.80 % crude fibre, 4.58 % protein, 3.12 % fat, 7.81 % ash, and 3.50 % moisture, while banana peels contained 70.35 % carbohydrates, 8.51 % crude fibre, 7.47 % protein, 2.01 % fat, 6.66 % ash, and 5.00 % moisture. Statistical comparison using independent t-tests indicated significant differences in all parameters (p < 0.05). Plantain peels were richer in carbohydrates, fibre, fat, and minerals, whereas banana peels contained higher protein and moisture. These findings suggest that both peel types can serve as cost-effective, locally available feed supplements, with potential to reduce dependency on conventional feedstuffs, enhance nutrient intake, and mitigate agro-waste disposal issues. Inclusion in livestock diets should consider balancing energy, protein, and mineral content to optimize animal performance.