International Journal of Applied Agricultural Research ISSN 0973-2683 Volume 5 Number 3 (2010) pp. 291–300 © Research India Publications http://www.ripublication.com/ijaar.htm Studies on the Proximate and Mineral Composition of Three Varieties of Lablab Beans (Lablab Purpureus) *K.O. Soetan1 and M.A. Fafunso2 1Department of Veterinary Physiology, Biochemistry and Pharmacology,University of Ibadan, Nigeria 2Department of Biochemistry, University of Ibadan, Nigeria *Corresponding Author’s E-mail:
[email protected] Abstract The proximate and mineral composition of three varieties of lablab beans (Lablab purpureus) were studied. The three varieties used for this study were Rongai brown (PI509 114), Rongai White (NAPRI 4) and Highworth black (Grif 12293). Rongai brown variety had the highest concentration of crude protein, crude fat, ash and of gross energy. There were significant differences (P< 0.05) in the crude protein, crude fibre and the nitrogen free extracts in all the three varieties of the lablab beans. Potassium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron were appreciably high in all the three varieties while calcium and sodium concentrations were low. It is concluded that the lablab beans can be used as a source of dietary proteins especially in developing and under developed countries where consumption of animal protein may be limited as a result of economic, social, cultural or religious factors. Keywords: Proximate, mineral composition, Lablab purpureus. Introduction The high cost of animal protein has directed interest towards several leguminous seed proteins as potential sources of vegetable protein for human food and livestock feed (Esenwah and Ikenebomeh, 2008). Legumes are generally well adapted to a wide range of climates and environmental conditions.