Studies of selected browses of South-Southern part of Nigeria with particular reference to their proximate and some anti-nutritional constituents

Abstract

Four commonly utilized browse plants (Daniella oliveri, Sarcophalus, latifolia, Vitex doniana and Ficus thoningii) were harvested from Obubra in Cross River State, Nigeria and analysed for proximate and some anti- nutritional components of the leaves. A high variability was recorded in values of crude protein (17.50 - 26.25%), crude fibre (26.15 - 44.40 %), Ash (5.15 - 13.90 %), ether extract (2.20 - 5.20 %) and nitrogen free extract (10.25 - 40.17 %). The concentration of anti-nutritional factors were generally low. Tannin content ranged from 0.30 to 5.1 μg/g, phytate 0.18 to 4.03 μg/g, oxalate 0.39 to 12.30 μg/g, saponins 0.002 to 3.60 μg/g and alkaloids 0.001 to 2.38μg/g. The results showed that the browse plants studied have good levels of nutrients, low and safe levels of anti-nutritional factors. Based on these results, it is therefore recommended that, the browse plants may be actively encouraged in the feeding of livestock.

Key words: Chemical nutrients, ever green forages, leaf meal, toxic constituents