Antinutrtional Factors, Nutritive Value and in vitro Gas Production of Foliage and Fruit of Enterolobium cyclocarpum

Enterolobium cyclocarpum foliage is yet to be accepted by ruminants in Nigeria as recommended for intensive garden use. In a comparative study, the nutritive value of the leaf, seed, pod and fruit was investigated by proximate, secondary metabolites and in vitro gas production methods. Proximate composition showed that all the samples were quite high in crude protein (10.4-21.7%), ether extract (10.0-11.2%) and low in crude fibre (39.8-63.5%). All sample contained saponin but a medium in the leaf and negligible in others. Phenol was not detected but all had steroids. The browse parts had sufficient composition of phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, potassium, iron and copper to meet the requirements for ruminants. The constituent of manganese, zinc and sodium were less than recommended levels required for growth, reproduction and milk. The net gas volume (ml), metabolisable energy (MJ/kg DM), organic matter digestibility (%) and short chain fatty acids (μmol) ranged from 31.35-73.0, 7.66-13.55, 51.42-89.82 and 0.69-1.68, respectively, being highest in the seed and lowest in the leaf. The studies showed that the seeds, pod and whole fruit had nutritive value and therefore, may serve as potential supplements for ruminants in Nigeria.