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Effects of Processing Methods on Phytochemical Compositions of Selected Plants Materials with Animal Nutrition Potentials
* 1, 2 , 1 , 1 , 3 , 1 , 1 , 4
1  Centre of Excellence in Agricultural Development and Sustainable Environment, Federal University of Agriculture, PMB 2240, Abeokuta, Ogun State, Nigeria
2  Lakeland College 5707 College Drive, Vermilion, T9X 1K5, Alberta, Canada
3  Department of Agricultural Science Education, Federal College of Education (Technical), PMB 01000, Bichi, Kano State, Nigeria
4  The National Institute of Poultry Husbandry, Harper Adams University, United Kingdom.
Academic Editor: Giedre Samuoliene

Abstract:

Plants contain significant amounts of bioactive compounds which have potential benefits to livestock and humans. This study evaluated the phytochemicals of some plant materials that have potential animal nutrition values. In this study, fresh samples (6 samples per each) of four leaves: Siam weed (Chromolaena odorata L.), African basil (Ocimum gratissimum L.), waterleaf (Talinum triangulare Jacq. Willd), and Mexican sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia Hemsl. A. Gray) were air-dried (between 27 and 31 oC), oven-dried (at 65 oC) or freeze-dried (at -80 oC). The leaves were milled in a 1.0 mm sieve and the phytochemical contents of each leaf sample (in triplicates) were quantified. Phytochemicals quantified were flavonoids, tannins, beta carotene, and xanthophylls for each of the leaves. Data were subjected to Analysis of Variance and significant means separated using Duncan Multiple Range Test. Flavonoids, tannins, and xanthophylls were found to be the highest (P < 0.05) in most air-dried leaf samples compared to oven-dried and freeze-dried ones. Flavonoids, tannins, beta carotene, and xanthophylls in the leaves showed that all leaf samples appear to have good potentials to be used as natural feed additives such as egg yolk colourants in laying chicken feeds. In-vivo studies using birds were recommended.

Keywords: Leaves; Drying methods; Phytochemicals; Xanthophylls
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