Proximate Composition Analysis of Different Maize Varieties Adapted Under Somali Region Pastoral and Agro-Pastoral Research Institute (Sorpari) Ethiopia.

Abstract

The study was conducted in Somali Regional state with objective to analyze macronutrient and mineral content of different maize varieties adapted under Somali Region pastoral and Agro-pastoral research institute (SoRPARI). Four different types of samples such as Melkasa-6Q, MH-138, BH661 and BH-549 sample were collected. The collected maize samples were individually grounded to a fine powder (30 mesh size), packed in airtight polyethylene plastic bags and were stored at 4°C until further analysis. Proximate composition such as crude Protein, crude Fat, crude fiber, moisture content, carbohydrate, different minerals like Calcium, Iron, zinc and total phosphorous were determined by AOAC. Based on the result obtained, the ash content of the four maize varieties is in the range 4.06(Bh-549)-5.88% (Melksa-6Q), while the protein content from 12.82 (BH-549)-15.24% (Melkasa-6Q).The fat content is in the range 11.89 (BH661)-31.61%(Melkasa-6Q) while the carbohydrate content is in the range of 34% (Melkasa-6Q)-59.07%(BH-549). Significant difference was observed in most of these macronutrient content at p<0.05. Significant difference was also observed at p<0.05 in minerals content such as Calcium, Zinc, iron and Total Phosphorous where Melkasa-6Q had highest in almost all minerals content. Overall, from the finding we conclude that, all adapted maize varieties have good in both macronutrient and minerals especially Melkasa-6Q. Therefore, all actors of   maize should contribute to the promotion of nutrient den severities of maize to the local community which in turn important for the fight against malnutrition.