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Asian Journal of Biological Sciences
  Year: 2019 | Volume: 12 | Issue: 4 | Page No.: 682-692
DOI: 10.3923/ajbs.2019.682.692
 
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Physicochemical Characteristics of Ficus microcarpa Leaf Meals Harvested in Southeastern Nigeria
C.C. Achonwa, I.P. Ogbuewu , M.C. Uchegbu and I.C. Okoli

Abstract: Background and Objective: Indigenous plants remain green at critical times of the year and produce large quantities of year round fodder, which is regarded as unconventional feed sources in tropical countries like Nigeria. This study evaluated the physico-chemical characteristics of leaf meals derived from Ficus microcarpa, a domesticated browse plant at Nnobi community, southeastern Nigeria. Materials and Methods: The three villages in the community namely Awuda (Sample A), Ebenesi (Sample E) and Ngo (Sample N) were purposively selected for the study in order to generate representative data for the community. Fresh foliage from three stands of F. microcarpa at each village was collected and air-dried by spreading them under shed every day for about 6-8 days and thereafter oven dried until they became crispy and then milled to produce F. microcarpa leaf meals (FMLM). The leaf meals were analyzed for their physicochemical values. Results: Results should that FMLM was rich in Fe and Zn. The order of micro mineral concentration was Fe>Mn>Cr>Zn>Cu>Ni. Conclusion: The FMLM is therefore relatively rich in crude protein and energy, digestible fibers and essential minerals. Feeding trials incorporating the leaf meal are recommended in order to evaluate its true nutrient value.
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How to cite this article:

C.C. Achonwa, I.P. Ogbuewu, M.C. Uchegbu and I.C. Okoli, 2019. Physicochemical Characteristics of Ficus microcarpa Leaf Meals Harvested in Southeastern Nigeria. Asian Journal of Biological Sciences, 12: 682-692.

DOI: 10.3923/ajbs.2019.682.692

URL: https://scialert.net/abstract/?doi=ajbs.2019.682.692
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