EFFECT OF SHADE DRYING AND ENSILING ON THE PROXIMATE COMPOSITION AND PHYTOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF CALOTROPIS PROCERA (LEAVES)

Abstract

This study evaluated the chemical and phytochemical composition of shade-dried and ensiled Calotropis procera to assess its potential as an alternative feed resource for livestock in the semi-arid zone of northeastern Nigeria. The experiment was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm and Chemistry Laboratory Complex of the Department of Animal Science, Federal University Gashua. Fresh C. procera leaves and stems were harvested, shade-dried for 7–10 days, or ensiled for 30 days before being analyzed. Proximate and phytochemicals compositions were determined using standard methods. Ensiled samples were not screened for phytochemicals due to expected degradation of secondary metabolites. Data obtained from triplicate analyses were analysed using descriptive statistics Results showed that shade drying preserved higher crude protein levels and maintained moderate fibre, essential minerals, and beneficial phytochemicals such as flavonoids, tannins, saponins, and phenols. In contrast, ensiling significantly reduced crude protein and fibre but increased nitrogen-free extract and ether extract, reflecting improved fermentable carbohydrate availability. The findings indicate that shade-dried C. procera is more suitable as a protein supplement, while ensiled C. procera may serve as an energy source when combined with protein-rich feeds. The study concludes that C. procera has promising potential as a supplementary forage in dryland livestock systems. It recommends promoting shade-dried forms for protein enhancement, improving ensiling techniques to minimize nutrient loss, and conducting in vivo feeding trials to validate animal performance responses.