ABSTRACT
This study was conducted to determine the effects of different drying methods
of Terminalia mantaly leaves on their nutritive value. Three different samples
of the leaves (fresh, air-dried and sun-dried) (corresponding with Treatments
1, 2 and 3 respectively) were used for proximate composition and
phytochemical analysis to determine its nutritional and anti-nutritional
profiles. Data collected were statistically analyzed with one-way analysis of
variance (ANOVA) and means separated by Duncan multiple range test. There
were significant differences in the crude protei, ether extract, moisture, and ash
contents (P<0.05) of the three treatments. Crude protein was highest in sun-
dried (13.13%) compared to the fresh and air-dried leaves. Treatment 1 had a
relatively higher amount of crude fibre than the other treatments. However the
Nitrogen free extracts of the T1 was highest among the treatments means. The
phytochemical analysis showed that alkanoids, tannins, flavoids, saponins and
oxalates were detected, and their concentrations were significantly different
(P<0.05) among treatments. Fresh T. mantaly leaves had the highest value of
alkanoids, tannins, flavoids, saponins and oxalates compare to the other
treatments. In tannins, sun-dried leaves had the lowest value (0.001mg/g) while
the fresh leaves had the highest (0.24 mg/g). Air-dried leaves had the highest
oxalate content (18.10 mg/g) while sun-dried leaves had the lowest (2.70 mg/g).
For saponins, fresh leaves had the highest (4.00 mg/g) while air-dried leaves
had the lowest (1.70 mg/g). From the results, it was concluded that sun-dried
Terminalia mantaly leaves could be partially or fully incorporated in the diets
of livestock, since it generally had low anti-nutritional phytochemical contents,
and the highest crude protein content. |
KEYWORDS : |
Terminalia mantaly, oxalates, tannins, alkaloids, proximate
composition |
