Nutrient and anti-nutritional constituents of Penisetum purpureum and four indigenous tree legume of South-Western Nigeria: A potential ruminant feed

Abstract

A study was carried out to investigate the nutrient composition as well as anti-nutritional constituents of some tree plants (Ficus sur, Bridelia macarrantii, Gmelina arborea and Albizia saman) and forage grass (Penisetum purpureum) in south- western Nigeria. Results indicated significant (P<0.05) variability in values of percentage crude protein (9.71 - 23.67%) where Penisetum purpureum recorded the least value and highest value observed in Ficus sur. Dry matter (DM), Crude fiber (CF), Organic matter (OM) and Ash contents varied significantly (p<0.05) from (23.52-46.23%, 8.45 - 30.22%, 64.01 - 96.95% and 2.66 – 8.44%) respectively. Albizia saman recorded significantly (p<0.05) higher ADF value (35.39%) with intermediate value (4.14%) of NDF. Penisetum purpureum had most ADL value (17.19%) while the least value was recorded in Gmelina arborea. Hemicellulose value ranged between (4.45 - 22.23%) with least value recorded by Ficus sur and highest by Penisetum purpureum plants. The concentrations of anti-nutritional factor was generally low, tannin content significantly (p<0.05) ranged from (0.75 - 3.56%) in Ficus sur and Albizia saman respectively. Penisetum purpureum had the least phytate (0.94 %) while Bridelia macarrantii recorded the most phytate value (2.65%). Saponin, Alkaloid and Oxalate level ranged from (0.10 - 1.51%, 0.36 - 1.58% and 0.34- 1.41%) respectively. The results show that the investigated plants seem to have good nutrient composition as well as low level of anti-nutritional factors and therefore can best be incorporated into ruminant feeding systems.

Key words: Nutrient composition; Anti-nutritional constituents; tree plants; forage grass