Proximate and mineral compositions of rice varieties from three (3) agro ecological zones in Nigeria

This study aims to evaluate the proximate and mineral compositions of rice varieties from three agro ecological zones in Nigeria. Kano. Rice varieties: Faros 44, 52 and 60 were purchased directly from the Agricultural development centers from these ecological zones, and subjected to evaluation of proximate and mineral compositions. The research findings indicate that moisture contents ranged from 10.80 (Faro 52 from Kano) to 13.33% (Faros 44, 52 and 60 from Ebonyi). Low fat content was observed in Faro 44 from Niger (0.28%) while Faros 52 from Ebonyi recorded the highest fat content of 0.65%. Protein ranged from 10.4% (Faro 44 from Ebonyi) to 15.9% (Faro 44 from Kano); ash from 0.66% (Faro 52 from Ebonyi) to 2.04% (faro 44 and 60 from Ebonyi and faro 60 from Niger); fiber from 0.7% (Faro 44 from Kano) to 5.5% (Faro 60 from Ebonyi); carbohydrate from 64.12 (Faro 60 from Ebonyi) to 73.07% (Faro 52 from Niger). Calcium ranged from 1.04 to 1.87 mg/100g. Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 52 from Niger recorded the lowest. Zinc ranged from 1.24 to 3.88 mg/100g. Faro 44 from Ebonyi recorded the highest while Faro 44 from Kano recorded the lowest. Magnesium ranged from 0.008 to 0.26 mg/100g. Faro 44 from Niger recorded the highest while Faro 60 from Ebonyi recorded the lowest. Analysis of variance revealed that zone, variety, and interactive effect of zone and variety, had significant (P < 0.05) effect on the proximate and mineral compositions of the parameters evaluated.