Evaluation of the nutritive values of the leaves of three common trees in Landmark University as potential feed resources in poultry

The nutritional value of the leaves of three popular tree species in Landmark University Omu Aran, North Central of Nigeria were investigated with the aim of incorporating them into poultry feed. The leaves are those of Moringa oleifera, Parkia biglobosa and Anacardium occidentalis. The accepted techniques for analysis of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC) was employed in this study. The result showed that all of the leaves had substantial levels of crude protein (10.27-24.75%), nitrogen free extract (40.92-76.33%), and ash (8.33-13.22%), but low levels of ether extract (2.01-3.15%). The ten minerals and nine amino acids analysed for were present in all the leaves. Phytate, alkaloid and tannin were lowest in Parkia biglobosa with the respective values of 4.0, 0.2 and 5.6 mg/g; Moringa oleifera has the lowest saponin (0.95 mg/g) and cyanide (0.94 mg/g) while the lowest value of oxalate (27.0 mg/g) was observed in Anacardium occidentalis leaves. Highest values for phytate (2.15 mg/g), alkaloid (4.02 mg/g), oxalate (0.38 mg/g) and tannin (1.83 mg/g) were observed in Moringa oleifera; highest values for saponin (6.13 mg/g) and cyanide (1.38 mg/g) were observed in Anacardium occidentalis and Parkia biglobosa respectively. The study's findings demonstrated that the leaves of these trees generally high nutrient levels, making them possible acceptable substitute ingredients for chicken feed.