Abstract:
This study was conducted to determine the proximate and phytochemical compositions of Vernonia
amygdalina leaves, to ascertain its nutritional potentials. V. amygdalina plants were cultivated, and the
leaves were harvested at maturity, cleaned and apportioned into two; one portion was oven dried whilst
the other was air-dried- all to a moisture content of about 15%. The dried samples were pulverized and
used for proximate and phytochemical analysis. Data collected were subjected to two-sample T-test of
GenStat Statistical Package (12th Edition). Results obtained show a significantly (p < 0.05) higher crude
protein, dry matter, and ether extract (fat) contents in the oven-dried leaves, compared with the air-dried
ones. The leaves had crude protein contents of about 25.32%, similar to those of commonly used feed
ingredients, thus, implying that it can be used as feed for livestock. Phytochemicals present in the
leaves include Flavonoids, Tannins, Saponins, Phenols and Terpenoids, and these could serve as
therapeutic purposes in livestock species. The leaves however, had no alkaloids and glycosides, unlike
similar plant species in Nigeria, thus, its use as livestock feed would pose no health threats to animals.
It is recommended that V. amygdalina leaves should be used in livestock feeding trials, to document its
effects on growth rates and disease resistance in livestock
