Abstract
The study was conducted to evaluate the proximate, minerals composition and secondary plant compounds of five plants (Ficus thonningii, Vitellaria paradoxa, Vitex doniana, Spondia mombin, and Pterocarpus echinatus,) as potential feed for ruminants. Proximate composition (dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP), crude fibre (CF), ether extract (EE), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), Acid detergent fibre (ADF), acid detergent lignin (ADL), hemicelluloses, cellulose and ash), energy, minerals composition (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, Fe, Zn, Mn and) and anti-nutritional composition (tannin, phenol, oxalate, phytate, alkaloid and saponin) were analyzed. The results showed that the CP content of F. thonnigii (20.41%). V. doniana (20.45%), P.echinatus (19.60) were higher than V.paradoxa (14.38%), and S. mombin (15.34%). The CF was significantly (P<0.05) different with F.thonningii having the highest value (23.41%) while P.echinatus had the least value (12.68%). The energy content of the forages ranged from 1388.8KJ/100gdm- 1745.50KJ/100gdm. The minerals constituents of the forages were statistically (P>0.05) similar except K, P and Mg. The anti-nutrients levels of the forages were all within the range that ruminant's animals could utilize. The study revealed that the investigated plants had inherent potentials that can be used for feeding ruminant animals.
Published Version
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