Published
2019-07-22
Issue
Section
Articles
How to Cite
Nutrient Content Assessment of Six Citrus Species Parts and their Feedstuff Significance
Chinelo A. Ezeabara
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
Okeke C.U.
Department of Botany, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, P.M.B. 5025, Awka, Anambra State, Nigeria.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.20448/journal.512.2019.62.166.171
Keywords: Animal feed, Animal protein, Animal nutrition, Citrus leaves, Citrus peels, Crude protein, feed quality, Nutritive value.
Abstract
Insufficient and high cost of good quality feed is the primary limitation to livestock operation. Hence, assessment of surplus atypical feed resources for their nutritive potential to support livestock productivity becomes topical. Dry matter bases of the roots, stems, stem barks, leaves and peels of six Citrus species that are commonly available in Southeastern Nigeria were investigated for nutrient composition. High value of crude protein ranging from 15 to 18 percent was found in the leaves of all the species. High carbohydrate values ranged from 70 to 81 percent, in the peels of C. grandis, C. reticulata, C. paradisii and C. sinensis. High percentage of fat was also present in the range of 12 to 13% in the peels of C. aurantifolia and C. sinensis. Ash contents were very high in the leaves of C. aurantifolia, C. grandis, C. limon and C. paradisii, ranging from 10 to 14%. Therefore, leaves and peels of these Citrus species could be regarded as low cost and locally available alternative high-quality animal feeds.