Comparative evaluation of the nutrient profile of four selected browse plants in the tropics, recommended for use as non-conventional livestock feeding materials

Abstract

This study is a comparative evaluation of the nutrient profile of four selected browse plants often recommended for use as non-conventional feeding materials. Fresh leaves of Myrianthus arboreus, Gmelina arborea, Terminalia catappa and Dacroydes edulis were collected from farmlands in Asaba, Delta State, Nigeria. Proximate analysis was carried out on the dried leaves to determine the levels of crude protein, crude fiber, metabolisable energy, total ash and ether extract. The presence of the following mineral elements: calcium, magnesium, iron and zinc was determined. The presence of eight amino acids was also determined. Data collected were subjected to a one-way analysis of variance procedure. Significantly different means were separated using Duncan’s multiple range procedure. Significance was reported at 5% level of probability. Significant differences between the test materials were observed for all the parameters measured. Results obtained were within the ranges of reported values.

Key words: Comparative evaluation, browse plants, non-conventional feeding materials.