Suitability of cassava (Manihot esculenta) starch as feed binder

Abstract

This study investigated the effect of cassava starch as binder on the feed quality and the appropriate level of its inclusion in feed processing fro desirable pellet. Five levels of starch inclusion, viz; 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% were investigated. The binding propensity of cassava starch was evaluated by its pelletability, hardness, dust, water stability and friability. Variation in levels of starch inclusion on binding property was found to be significant (p<0.05). the 5% starch inclusion level was the worst due to under-binding and consequently poor pelletability while binding was at its best at starch level of 20%. The binding is of immense importance to aquaculture feed industry and more importantly farm-made aquafeed production. Promotion of starch sourcing from locally available natural carbohydrates will provide affordable alternatives to conventional binders. Establishing the appropriate level of inclusion will undoubtedly reduce feedstuff and binder wastage during feed production and enhanced feed availability to fish