NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF THE LEAF AND SEED MEALS OF GMELINA (Gmelina arborea)

Résumé

This study evaluated the proximate analysis of Gmelina arborea leaf meal and seed meal. Fresh leaves and mature seed of Gmelina arborea were collected from botanical gardens of the College’s compound. Proximate analysis of Gmelina arborea was determined. Results revealed that proximate analysis of the leaf meal showed dry matter (97.09 ± 0.3%), crude protein (21.98 ± 0.13%), ether extract (2.01 ± 0.02%), crude fibre (8.05 ± 0.07%), Ash (6.10 ± 0.03%) and Nitrogen free extract (58.96 ± 0.00) while in seed meal dry matter (96.49 ± 0.11%), crude protein (6.49 ± 0.02%), ether extract (1.07 ± 0.02%), crude fibre (12.02 ± 0.16%), ash (5.48 ± 0.09%) and nitrogen free extract (71.44 ± 0.18%). The result of proximate composition showed that the leaf meal and seed meal of Gmelina arborea had good protein content that is comparable with good sources of plant protein. It can be concluded Gmelina arborea leaf and seed meals can be used as source of protein supplement to improve the production and performance of livestock animals.