The Effects of Storing Ceara Rubber (<i>Manihot glaziovii</i>) Leaves in Different Forms on Crude Protein and Carotene Contents

Background and Objective: This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of pelleting on quality and storability of ceara rubber (Manihot glaziovii) leaves. Materials and Methods: Following a 2×4 factorial experimental design, ground or pelleted ceara rubber leaves were stored for 4, 6, 8 and 12 weeks. In the pelleting process, 15% DM cassava starch was added as a binder. Both ground and pelleted ceara rubber leaves were stored for 4, 6, 8, or 12 weeks in plastic bags. In the end of each period, nutritive quality of ceara rubber leaves was evaluated. Result: Pelleting the ceara rubber leaves decreased (p<0.01) the crude protein (from 21.7-19.7%) and total carotene (from 84.6-61.5 mg/100 g DM) contents. The crude protein content was not affected by the storage periods but a decrease (p<0.01) in the total carotene content after 12 weeks of storage was noticed. Conclusion: The pelleting with 15% DM cassava starch decreased the crude protein and total carotene contents of ceara rubber leaves but the storing period did not greatly affect those properties.