VC Mbatchou, J Sackeyand I Sackey
Keywords: Proximate, elemental and anti-nitritional parameters, phytochemicals.
Abstract: Dry and rainy season leaf samples of Burkea africana were analyzed for proximate and mineral compositions, and antinutritional contents. Moisture contents of the dry season leaf samples of the plant were relatively low indicating good shelf life characteristics. High ash contents of dry and rainy season leaf samples of plant accounted for high mineral contents. High fibre and protein contents of leaf samples of plant indicate that the leaves could help treat constipation, improve general health and serve in growth and repair of tissues. The study revealed that leaves of the plant are rich in Ca, K, Na and Mg. Concentrations of trace metals in leaves of plant differ, with iron having the highest values of 481.03mg/Kg and 467.85mg/Kg in the rainy and dry season leaf samples respectively. Zinc concentrations range from 10.99mg/Kg in the rainy season leaf sample to 34.02mg/Kg in the dry season leaf sample of the plant. The high proximate and mineral compositions may be the factor to which elephants feed on the leaves of this plant. Also, results indicate that if leaves of Burkea africana are properly exploited and processed, they could be a high-quality and cheap source of feed for livestock especially ruminants.
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