Evaluation of the Mineral Nutrients and Organic Food Contents of the Seeds of Lablab purpureus, Leucaena leucocephala and Mucuna utilis for Domestic Consumption and Industrial Utilization

Investigations were carried out on the mineral nutrients and organic food contents of seeds of three fodder Lablab purpureus, Leucaena leucocephala and Mucuna utilis for domestic consumption and industrial utilization. Leucaena leucocephala seeds contained the highest amount of lipids crude protein carbohydrates and ash contents. Lablab purpureus contained the lowest amount of lipid crude protein crude fibre and ash content. The seeds of Mucuna utilis has the highest fibre content. Seeds of L. leucocephala have highest mineral nutrient contents, which includes N, P, K, Ca, Mg, Mn, Fe, Cu and Zn. However the seeds of L. purpureus contained P, Cu and Mg in higher quantities than the seeds of M. utilis of the three seeds, L. leucocephala seeds contained the highest saponification value, least iodine and acid contents. Seeds of L. leucocephala were found to be good for consumption and the oil can be used industrially for soap making.