Evaluation of the Proximate, Chemical and Phytochemical Composition of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> Leaf Meal as Potential Food/Feedstuff for Man and Non Ruminant Livestock.

Abstract

The increased interest in the utilization of the leaves of Moringa oleifera necessitated this study which evaluated the proximate, chemical and phytochemical composition, especially the presence of anti- physiological and toxic factors in the leaves. The results of the phytochemical analyses were: alkaloid 1.24 ± 0.141%; flavonoids, 4.90 ± 0.20%; saponins, 0.69 ± 0.124% ; tannins 0.03 ± 0.118% and cyanoglycosides 0.25 ± 0.112 %.The results showed crude protein to be 18.29 ± 2.6%; Nitrogen free extract, 44.52 ± 2.11%; crude fibre 15.87 ± 0.42 %; moisture, 9.33 ± 0.632%; ash, 13.67 ± 0.01 % and crude fat, 7.65 ± 0.009%. The results also showed Ca (0.49%) P (0.36%) Zn (46.70ppm) Iron (145ppm) and Cu (14.80ppm) were moderately high for a leaf meal. Quantitative chromatic analysis of MOLM hydrosylates revealed 9 essential amino acids which meet the minimum requirement (NRC) for broiler birds and in comparing its amino acid with those of hen's eggs shows an appropriate balance in all the essential amino acid but a deficiency of Methionine, Tryptophan and Histidine. The results of this study further showed that MOLM possess an appreciable quantities of all the dietary elements tested for, which, more or less could make them partial or complete substitutes for the conventional feed sources.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, phytochemicals, medicinal,nutritional and monogastrics