Utilization of cheap and readily available staple food products such as high quality cassava flour (HQCF) in substituting more expensive wheat flour is increasing. Mushroom addition can be use to enhance the nutritional value of such food products. Wheat, mushroom, and HQCFs were blended together in 11 different proportions with 100% wheat flour as control. The nutritional and functional qualities of the composite flour samples were determined. Data obtained were subjected to analysis of variance and means separated using Duncan multiple range test. There were significant (p < 0.05) differences in the functional properties, chemical and mineral composition of the composite flour samples. Significant (p < 0.05) differences were also observed in the pasting profile of the composite flours. Peak, breakdown and trough viscosities increased with increasing HQCF inclusion while the amino acid profile of the flour blends showed significant (p < 0.05) difference. Lysine content increased with increasing mushroom inclusion and the dominant fatty acid found was linoleic acid. Practical applications Use of HQCF for baking application is an emerging nontraditional use of cassava in Nigeria. It is intended to be used as raw material in the food and beverage industry for the manufacture of various ready to eat snack foods and bread. To improve the nutritional properties of the composite flour (wheat with HQCF), an underutilized but readily available protein‐rich food commodity (mushroom) was added. The effects of mushroom addition on the nutritional composition, pasting and functional properties of the composite flour were determined.

With the increase in consumers’ concern for safe food, it is highly imperative for livestock farmers to adopt feeding practices that enhance good health and high-quality products. A 49-day trial was conducted to ascertain effect of vitamin E and selenium (VE + Se) on performance, haematological indices and oxidative stability of chicken meat. A total of 150 Ross 7-day-old chicks were weighed and allotted to five treatments comprising dietary levels of 0 mg VE + 0 mg SE (Control), 100 mg VE + 0.05 mg Se, 200 mg VE + 0.1 mg Se, 300 mg VE + 0.15 mg Se and 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se per kg of feed in a completely randomised design. Feed and water were provided ad libitum. The data collected on performance, haematological indices and oxidative stability of meat were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance in a completely randomised design. Performance indices were significantly (p < 0.05) influenced by VE + Se supplementation. Mean daily live-weight gain (48.68 g /bird /day) was highest (p < 0.05) in the 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg group. The mean daily feed intake (g /bird / day) was highest in birds fed the diet containing 200 mg VE + 0.1 mg. The least or best feed conversion ratio (FCR) was observed in the group fed 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg SE. Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) increased as the level of VE + Se increased with the highest activity in 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se group. The highest packed cell volume, haemoglobin and red blood cell values were observed in birds fed the diet containing 400 mg VE + 0.20 mg Se. In conclusion, to ensure good performance of the chickens and improved oxidative stability of chicken meat in hot climate, feeding broilers VE + SE at 400 mg VE + 0.2 mg Se is recommended.