The proximate composition, gross energy, mineral composition, percentage sugar, oligosaccharides and antinutrient substances of bambaragroundnut seeds subjected to different cooking times were determined. The seeds were cooked for 30, 60, 90 and 120 min. Results of the proximate analysis showed that only the ether extract and ash were significantly (P < 0.05) reduced as the cooking time increased. In contrast, gross energy values significantly (P < 0.05) increased with increased cooking time. Amongst, the mineral elements assayed, calcium, magnesium and iron were significantly (P < 0.05) increased, while phosphorous, potassium, sodium and copper were reduced significantly (P > 0.05) with inreased cooking time. Percentage sucrose and glucose of bambaragroundnut seeds were significantly (P < 0.05) lowest in the raw form, but increased progressively with increased of cooking time. Raffinose and stachyose levels were reduced significantly by increased cookinf time (P < 0.05) with the least value in seeds cooked for 120 min. Trypsin inhibitor, hemagglutinin and tannin were completely eliminated in seeds cooked for 60 min or longer, but the phytin level was reduced significantly (P < 0.05) by cooking. For a significant detoxification of antinutrient substances and for optimal bioavailability of the component nutrients of bambaragroundnut seeds, an optimum cooking time of 60 min at 100 degrees C is therefore recommended.

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Twenty four mixed breed (New Zealand x Chinchila) rabbits aged six weeks with average initial weight of 560g were used to examine the effect of replacing maize with unpeeled cassava root meal (UCRM) on the performance, organoleptic properties and economy of rabbit production. The rabbits were divided into four groups and assigned to four treatment diets formulated with 0, 10, 20 and 30% UCRM respectively. Average live weight and weight gain were significantly (P<0.05) improved by the increasing levels of URCM, but feed intake, feed conversion ratio and protein efficiency ratio were not significantly (P>0.05) affected. All the organoleptic properties were not affected significantly (P>0.05) by the dietary treatments. However, the increasing levels of UCRM reduced the cost per kg feed, seed cost per kg weight gain and cost of production of rabbits to matured weight. Therefore, the utilization of unpeeled cassava root meal us replacement for maize up to 30% level is profitable and feasible in rabbit diets formulation.