DOI: https://doi.org/10.55373/mjchem.v28i1.183

Keywords: Protein, amino acid, Musa Sp., animal, feed

Abstract

Musa sp. wastes represent a major agro-industrial byproduct with enormous potential to become a sustainable protein source for animal feed, tackling significant food waste and reducing environmental impact. This research aims to address the knowledge gap regarding the Musa sp. plant waste by determining the crude protein content through chemical analysis and characterizing its amino acid composition. The Bradford assay method was used to assess the crude protein, with Musa Sapientum L. leaves yielding the highest value at 3.220 ± 0.044 mg/mL, followed by peels (1.076 ± 0.011 mg/mL) and stems (0.119 ± 0.004 mg/mL). Musa sp. peels, on the other hand, indicated higher values of essential and non-essential amino acids using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography, totaling 45.05 ± 3.43 g/100 g protein and 57.56 ± 4.18 g/100 g protein, respectively. In particular, the essential amino acid lysine was found in the highest quantity in the peel, at 8.05 ± 0.94 g/100 g protein, and glycine was the most abundant non-essential amino acid, at 13.02 ± 1.02 g/100 g protein. Overall, Musa sp. leaves exhibit high total protein content, while peels boast a diverse spectrum of essential and non-essential amino acids, including abundant lysine. Musa sp. leaves and peels exhibit distinct yet promising protein and amino acid profiles, suggesting their potential for targeted applications in animal feed formulations aimed at improving animal growth and reduced feed costs. Investigating digestibility, anti-nutrients, and optimal inclusion levels will be crucial for unlocking their potential as sustainable and cost-effective feed components.