DETERMINATION OF PROXIMATE COMPOSITION, SOME ANTI-NUTRITIONAL FACTORS AND AMINO ACID PROFILE OF MISTLETOE LEAF (Tapinanthus bangwensis) MEAL

Abstract

This study was carried out to determine the proximate composition, some anti-nutritional factors and amino acid profile of mistletoe leaves as alternative protein feedstuff. The leaves were harvested in Maiduguri metropolis at the onset of dry season, around September. They were air-dried in a ventilated room for a week, after which they were sun-dried for two hours. They were then reduced to smaller particles using a hammer mill with a mesh size of 1.5 mm. These samples were taken to Nutrition Laboratory, for analysis of proximate composition, amino acid profile and anti-nutritional factors. The results obtained showed that mistletoe leaf meal has good amount of crude protein (20.32 CP %), ether extract (3.72%), crude fibre (10.17%), ash (7.41%) and amino acid profile especially for lysine (3.10) and methionine (1.43). In addition processing was effective in reducing some of the anti-nutritional factors (tannin, saponin, phytates and oxalate). It was concluded from the result obtained that mistletoe leaves can be used as potential protein source.