Proximate and mineral composition of african manatee food resources along Ipare River, Ondo State, Nigeria

Abstract

This study assessed the African manatee food resources, and their nutritive quality along Ipare river, Ondo State between April and July, 2018 for effective conservation of the animal in the area. Questionnaire administration (A total of 140 Questionnaire distributed to the respondents in seven villages along Ipare River) and Laboratory analysis was adopted. Fourteen plant samples (thirteen food resources and one non-food) were collected for laboratory analysis (Proximate composition using AOAC methods and mineral contents using atomic absorption spectrometry). ANOVA was used to test for significant differences in the mean values. The respondents stated that manatee feed on thirteen plant species. Crude protein content was highest in Manihot esculenta leaf (23.95%) and lowest in Manihot esculenta tuber (2.28%). Ash content was highest in Pistia stratiotes (29.46%) and lowest in Manihot esculenta tuber (2.47%). Phragmites karka had the highest crude fibre (27.04%) while Polygonium leptocarpa had the least (8.60%). Ether extract ranges from 0.44% in Manihot esculenta tuber to 11.96% in Phragmites karka. Nitrogen free extract (NFE) was highest in Manihot esculenta tuber (68.10%) and lowest in Phragmites karka (27.33%). Moisture was highest in Ceratophyllum demersum (10.04%) and lowest in Manihot esculenta tuber (6.48%). The food resources contain both micro and macro minerals needed for healthy living by African manatee. All the nutrient components showed significant difference at P<0.05. The study identified soaked Manihot esculenta tuber as African manatee food in the study area. The food of African manatee could be dependent on nutritional composition on one hand while other factors (such as availability, taste and other anti-nutritional factors present in plants) may also play a part. This information can contribute to African manatee management during rehabilitation, considering the need to formulate diets similar to that found in nature and with nutritional values useful to develop healthy tissue and fit to fetch its food after release.