PROXIMATE, MINERAL AND PHYTOCHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF SOME SELECTED FEED INGREDIENTS IN SEMI-ARID REGION OF NORTH EASTERN NIGERIA

Abstract

Seeds of Cucumbar sativus L, Acacia nilotica, L, Glycine max L, Parkia globosa, Hibiscus subdariffa L, Mangifera indica, Moringa oleifera, Citrullus lanatus, Adonsonia digitata and Mesocarp of Hypalina theibecca indigenous to semi-arid zone of North Eastern Nigeria were analyzed for proximate composition, minerals and phytochemical properties to assess their potentials as alternative sources of protein, energy and other nutrients for non-ruminant animals. The Samples were purchased from Garin Alkali in Bursari local market in Yobe State. The samples were air dried and milled to pass through 1mm sieve screen and stored in a cleaned well labeled polythene bag prior to laboratory analyses. Triplicate of representative samples of the feed ingredients were used for analyses. The proximate compositions of the samples were determined using conventional standard analytical methods of Association of Analytical chemists. Mineral contents were determined using Flame Atomic absorption Spectrophotometer Photometer while the Iron contents were determined calorimetrically. All data collected were subjected to analyses of variance using statistical analytics software (SAS). The results of the proximate composition analysis showed considerable variations between samples in Crude Protein (CP), Crude Fiber (CF), Dry Matter (DM) and Ether Extract (EE), Nitrogen free extracts (NFE), Carbohydrates (CHO) and ash. The CP, DM, CF, EE, ash, NFE and CHO values of the samples underinvestigation ranged from 7.51  to 35.22, 77 to 94.00, 0.05 to 25.00, 2 to 26, 3.00 to 14.00, 10.27 to 70.46 and 30 to 74.48% respectively. The highest level of CP 35.22% was recorded in Glycine max seed while the lowest value of CP 7.51% was recorded in Mangifera indica seed. Minerals such as Sodium (Na), Potassium (K),Magnesium (Mg),Chromium (Cr), Zinc(zn), Copper(cu),Manganese(Mn) and Iron (Fe) ranged from 0.64 to3.20, 0.06 to 0.77, 2.04  to 9.04, 0.29 to 0.89,0.88 to 2.72, 0.16 to 2.59, 0.83 to 4.96, 0.19 to 1.15 and 0.52 to2.26 ppm respectively.  Highest concentration of important minerals such as Calcium (2.72 ppm), Sodium (3.20 ppm), iron (2.26 ppm), Zinc (2.59 ppm) and Magnesium (9.06 ppm) were obtained in Acacia nilotica, Acacia nilotica and Moringa oleifera, Hibiscus subdariffa and Parkia globosa. Phytochemical screening revealed the presence of alkaloids, tannins, Phenols and Flavonoids. The highest values of total phenol 417 mg/GAE/100g,tannin 4.54  mg/GAE/100g, Flavonoid 2.21RE/100g and Alkaloid 11.00 % was recorded in Acacia nilotica, Glycine max, Citrullus lanatus and Hypalina theibecca. The study revealed that Acacia nilotica, Hibiscus subdariffa, Parkia globosa and Glycine max are rich in calcium and sodium, iron and Magnesium and zinc. Similarly the crude protein and carbohydrate values of Acacia nilotica, Hypalina theibecca, Citrullus lanatus and Adonsonia digitata are comparable to most cereal grains and can be used when processed.