NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERISTICS OF THE INDIAN ALMOND (Terminalia catappa L.) AS A SUPPLEMENT IN ANIMAL FEEDING

Objective. to evaluate the nutritional uses of Indian almond seed Terminalia catappa for three states of ripeness (green E1, intermediate E2 and E3 ripe) as a supplement alternative in animal feeding. Materials and methods. Physiochemical characteristics of fruit pulp were measured and the seed was extracted and subjected to compositional analysis according to the Official Methods of Analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemist (AOAC, 1980). A fatty acid profile was performed on the extracted fat using gas chromatography with mass spectrometry. Results. The Seeds contained: fat 54%, protein 24%, ash 4%, fiber 12% and moisture 45%. Data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA. The state of ripeness presented statistical differences (p<0,05) in composition of the seed. While for the physiochemical variables of pulp, pH, acidity and Brix grades, results were not significant. The fatty acid profile of seed oil for E1, E2 and E3 showed similarity in certain components. Conclusions. Due to their nutritional composition and their high values for protein (24%), fat (54%) and fiber (12%), the Indian almond (Terminalia catappa) and their high value in protein (24%), fat (54%), fiber (12%), it is possible their usemay be used for industrialization and the creation of concentrate for animal feeding.