Proximate and mineral composition of African mistletoe (<i>Tapinanthus bangwensis</i>) leaves

Abstract

Proximate, mineral and phytochemical analyses were carried out on the leaves of the African mistletoe. Results from the proximate analysis showed that the crude protein, crude fibre, ether extract, ash and metabolisable energy values were 13.99%, 10.94%, 11.49%, 14.96% and 3183.52 kcal/kg, respectively. Mineral compositions (mg/kg) of the mistletoe were: 35000, 4400, 42300, 44350, 1500, 30, 450 and 40 for Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium, Sodium, Phosphorus, Manganese, Iron and Zinc, respectively. Phytochemical analysis showed that the leaves contained alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids, saponins, anthraquinones and cardiac glycosides. Therefore, if the leaves can be harnessed, the plant can be of immense nutritional benefit to livestock.