Evaluation of the Chemical and Phytochemical Constituents of Alchornea Cordifolia Leaf Meal as Potential Feed for Monogastric Livestock

Phytochemical constituents, proximate and mineral composition of Alchornea cordifolia (Schum and Thonn) Muell. Arg. (Euphorbiaceae)) (Christmas bush) leaf meal obtained from the Campus of Niger Delta University was investigated in order to evaluate its nutritional value for non- ruminant livestock since it is well known that the presence of antinutrients and toxic substances severely limits the nutritional benefits of leaf meals. The result of proximate composition showed that the leaf meal contained moisture (9.96±0.40%), crude protein (17.94±0.41%), carbohydrate (39.53±0.21 %), crude fat (4.34±0.23%), fatty acid (3.47±0.24%) energy (3.37 kcalg), ash (11.38±0.26%) and crude fibre (16.85±0.16 %). Elemental analysis revealed that the minerals detected in the leaf meal and their concentrations were Calcium (288 mg - kg ), Magnesium (22 mg - kg ), Potassium (7.25mg kg-1), Copper (32.5mg - kg ), Iron (192.5 mg - kg ) Manganese (58.35 mg - kg ) and Cobalt (40 mg- kg ). Aluminium, zinc, Phosphorus, Selenium and Sodium were not detected. The quantitative analysis of the detected phytochemicals in the leaf meal were Phytate (1.21%), Oxalate (0.86 %), Saponins (2.04%), Phenols (1.16 %), Cardiac glycosides (0.11 %) and Hydrocyanic acid (22.30 mg- kg ) while alkaloids, anthraquinones, tannins, flavonoids and steroids were not detected. The results showed low concentrations of all the phytochemicals. The nutritional quality of plants and vegetables are severely limited by the presence of antinutrients (oxalate, phytate) and toxic substances (cyanide, nitrate,). The low values of this substance in Alchornea cordifolia is an indication that the leaf meals may be recommended for nonruminant and human consumption. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the leaf meal made from Alchornea cordifolia leaves contain nutrients and mineral elements that make the product comparable to other leaf meals such as Gmelina leaf meal, Leucena leucocephala leaf meal, Ipomea batatas leaf meal, Gliricidia leafmeal and cassava leaf meal