COMPARISM OF THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION OF SHEA (Vitellaria paradoxa) AND RUBBER LATEX (Hevea Brasilienesis)

Abstract

The shea latex sample was tapped from different shea trees and the rubber latex sample was obtained from Kade in Ghana. The latex samples were spread on tarpaulin and subjected to air drying for three days. The samples were then poured into a transparent container and sent to the laboratory for the proximate analysis. Results from the study indicated that latex proximate composition varied considerably and is dependent on a number of factors including climatic conditions, season of the year and time of tapping. The study also revealed higher percentages of moisture, crude protein and carbohydrate in rubber latex than in shea latex. There was higher percentage of ash and crude fat in shea latex than in rubber latex. The shea latex yield was higher when tapping was done at 45◦C however, continuous tapping of the same tree eventually reduced yield. The study revealed that shea latex can be exploited and used to manufacture products such as balloons, gloves and condoms because of its low protein content compared to rubber latex.