ENHANCEMENT OF PROTEIN IN CASSAVA (IN VITRO)

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the level to which protein content can be increased
in cassava by anaerobic fermentation with Aspergillus niger in the presence of two
different nitrogen sources. Poultry manure and urea which served as the two nitrogen
sources were mixed under aseptic conditions with cassava substrate and incubated along
with Aspergillus niger for periodd of 0,2,4 and 6 days. Results showed that increase in
protein content occurred in samples containing either poultry manure or urea. Maximum
increase in protein content in the presence of poultry manure was by day 2 (69%) while in
he presence of urea it was by day 3 (131'%1T).h is shows that although urea was better
utilized than poultry manure as a nitrogen source, poultry manure itself has potential for
use as a nitrogen source in enhancing protein content in cassava.