EVALUATION OF PROXIMATE AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF (Boscia senegalenses) LEAVES AS POTENTIAL FEED/FEED ADDITIVE FOR RUMINANT LIVESTOCK
I. MUSA *
Department of Animal Health and Production Technology, Yobe State College of Agricultural, Science and Technology, Gujba, P.M.B 1104, Damaturu, Nigeria.
A. A. TIJJANI
Department of Animal Science, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B 2346, Sokoto, Nigeria.
A. K. MUSLIM ZANNA
Department of Agricultural Technology, Yobe State College of Agricultural, Science and Technology, Gujba, P.M.B 1104, Damaturu, Nigeria.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Proximate and Phytochemical composition of Boscia senegalensis leaves were analysed to find out its utility as a potential feed/feed additive for ruminant livestock. The results of proximate analysis revealed the presence of dry matter (95.65):crude protein (11.55):crude fibre (6.47):ether extract (6.23):ash (7.69%) and Nitrogen free extract (63.73). However, the qualitative analysis revealed the presence (+) of alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, glycosides, steroids, anthraquinone, phenols and tannins while the quantitative analysis indicated a flavonoids, phenols and tannins as 10.25mg/kg, 8.55mg/kg and 3.04mg/kg respectively. Therefore, due to the presence of these nutrients and phytochemicals in these quantities the leaves of Boscia senegalensis is recommended as a feed/feed additive for ruminant livestock.
Keywords: Evaluation, proximate, phytochemical composition, boscia senegalenses, feed/feed additive, ruminant livestock