Journal of Microbiology,

Biotechnology and Ogbe et al. 2011/12 : 1 (3) 296-308

Food Sciences

REGULAR ARTICLE

PROXIMATE STUDY, MINERAL AND ANTI-NUTRIENT COMPOSITION OF

MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES HARVESTED FROM LAFIA, NIGERIA:
POTENTIAL BENEFITS IN POULTRY NUTRITION AND HEALTH

Ogbe, A.O.* and John P. Affiku

Address*: Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Nasarawa State University,

Keffi, Nigeria. Correspondence E-mail: [email protected]

ABSTRACT

The leaves of Moringa oleifera were harvested from Lafia in Nasarawa State of
Nigeria during the rainy season in June 2011 for proximate, mineral and phytochemical
analysis. The results of proximate analysis revealed the presence of high crude protein
(17.01% ±0.1) and carbohydrate (63.11% ±0.09). The leaves also contained appreciable
amounts of crude fibre (7.09% ±0.11), ash (7.93% ± 0.12), crude fat (2.11% ±0.11) and fatty
acid (1.69% ±0.09). The total ash content showed it contained minerals, Ca (1.91% ±0.08), K
(0.97% ±0.01), Na (192.95±4.4), Fe (107.48±8.2), Mn (81.65±2.31), Zn (60.06±0.3) and P
(30.15±0.5) parts per million (ppm). Magnesium (0.38% ±0.01) and copper (6.10±0.19) were
the least. The results of phytochemical analysis and anti-nutrients showed presence of tannins
(21.19% ±0.25), phytates (2.57% ±0.13), trypsin inhibitors (3.0% ±0.04), saponins (1.60%
±0.05), oxalates (0.45% ±0.01) and cyanide content ((0.1% ±0.01). The presence of these
essential nutrients and minerals implies Moringa oleifera leaves from Lafia, Nasarawa State
could be utilized as a source of feed supplement to improve growth performance and health
status of poultry. The benefits of essential nutrients and minerals in maintaining good health
were also highlighted in this study.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, leaf extract, nutrients, anti-nutrients, chickens

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INTRODUCTION

Antibiotics are utilized as growth promoters at sub-therapeutic levels and for treatment
of poultry diseases. The beneficial effects of antibiotic in combating bacterial problems and as
growth promoters are well documented. Medication of water using antibiotic helps birds to
recover from certain diseases of bacterial origin. However, there may be problems associated
with usage of antibiotics such as drugs toxicity, residual effects and development of microbial
resistance. The negative impact on consumers of meat or poultry products due to residual
effects has also raised some concern. This has led to the ban on the use of antibiotics as
growth promoters since 2006 by the European Union. Animal scientists and veterinarians are
now turning attention towards alternative sources of natural ingredients such as herbs or
plants (phytobiotic) to replace antibiotic. There were reports on the beneficial effects of herbs
and mushrooms, which are used as feed supplements or medicines in chickens (Guo et al.,
2003; Ogbe, 2008; Ogbe et al., 2008; Ogbe et al., 2009). Certain bioactive chemicals in
plants or herbs and mushrooms were reported to be responsible for their therapeutic
(medicinal) benefits (Guo et al., 2003; Ogbe et al., 2009).
Plants generally contain chemical compounds (such as saponins, tannins, oxalates,
phytates, trypsin inhibitors and cyanogenic glycosides) known as secondary metabolites,
which are biologically active (Soetan and Oyewole, 2009). Secondary metabolites may be
applied in nutrition and as pharmacologically-active agents (Soetan and Oyewole, 2009).
Plants are also known to have high amounts of essential nutrients, vitamins, minerals and fatty
acids and fibre (Gafar and Itodo, 2011). Plant oil from seeds and leaves such as Moringa
oleifera are in high demand for their medicinal value. Apart from the medicinal uses, Moringa
oleifera was reported to be a good source of vitamins and amino acids (Olugbemi et al;
2010). Moringa oleifera was claimed to boost immune systems (Jayavardhanan et al., 1994;
Fuglier, 1999; Olugbemi et al., 2010)). The leaves and green fresh pods are used as
vegetables by man and are rich in carotene and ascorbic acid (vitamin C) with a good profile
of amino acids (Makkar and Becker, 1996). They are also used in livestock feed and the
twigs are reported to be very palatable to ruminants (Sutherland et al., 1990; Sarwatt et al.,
2002; Kimoro, 2002; Kakengi et al., 2007). The edible leaves are very nutritious and are
consumed in Nigeria. The Moringa seed oil is high in (80.4%) polyunsaturated fatty acid
(Anwar and Rashid, 2007; Ogbunugafor et al., 2011). Moringa oleifera extract was
reported to have antibacterial properties and conclusion was made to investigate it as a
phytotherapeutic agent to combat infectious agents (Patel, 2011). Most parts of the plant have

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been used in folk medicine in Africa and South Asia (Fahey, 2005). The medicinal effects of
the plant was ascribed to their possession of anti-oxidants, which are known to suppress
formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals (Sofidiya et al., 2006;
Ogbunugafor et al., 2011).
In developing countries (like Nigeria), sources of animal’s drinking water may be
contaminated with suspended materials and even bacteria but unknown to the animal
owner(s). In human, each year, millions of children are known to have died in developing
countries as a result of infections caused by unclean water (Jose et al., 2010). Moringa
oleifera seeds are said to be very good and safe for water treatment; as synthetic chemical
compounds (alum) may be carcinogenic (Ayotunde et al., 2011). Plant substances that are
foods are of little or no side effects. Most of the prescribed medicines today (about 25%) are
substances derived from plants (Ngaski, 2006). However, information is scanty on the
utilization of Moringa leaves as feed supplement or medicine for poultry.
This study therefore aimed at evaluating the chemical and nutritional composition of
Moringa oleifera, and the objective was to highlight its potential as feed supplement and
medicinal benefits in poultry production.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Collection and processing of sample

Moringa oleifera leaves were harvested from an orchard at early flowering stage in
Lafia, Nasarawa State. Stem and branches were cut from Moringa trees and spread out under
the shade to dry in the sun at 35oC for 3-5 days. The leaves were then removed by hand
(manually) and grounded into powder by milling using a locally made Miller machine
(unbranded).

Proximate analysis
The methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990) were
used for determination of moisture, crude fibre, protein, fat and cyanide content of the
samples. All determinations were done in duplicates. The proximate values were reported in
percentage. Moringa leaf samples (5 grams, each) in duplicate was used for determination of
moisture content by weighing in crucible and drying in oven at 105 oC, until a constant weight
was obtained. Determination of ash content was done by ashing at 550 oC for about 3h. The
Kjeldah method (AOAC, 1990) was used to determine the protein content by multiplication

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of the nitrogen value with a conversion factor (6.25). The crude fibre content of the samples
was determined by digestion method and the lipid was done by Soxhlet extraction method
(AOAC, 1990).
Total soluble carbohydrate was determined by the difference of the sum of all the
proximate composition from 100%. The calorific (energy) value was obtained according to
the methods of Akinyeye et al. (2010, 2011). This was done by multiplying the value of
carbohydrate, protein and crude fat by the Atwater factors of 17, 17 and 37 respectively
(Akinyeye et al., 2011; Kilgour, 1987). Crude fat was converted into fatty acid by
multiplying with conversion factor of 0.80 as described by Akinyeye et al. (2010, 2011) and
Greenfield and Southgate (2003).

Mineral analysis
The mineral contents (elements) of Moringa oleifera leaves: calcium (Ca), magnesium
(Mg), potassium (K), sodium (Na), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu)
were determined using the atomic absorption spectrophotometer (AAS-Buck 205), as
described the methods of the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC, 1990).
Phosphorus was determined colorimetrically (AOAC, 1990). All the determinations were
done in duplicates. The values of calcium, magnesium and potassium were reported in
percentage while sodium, iron, zinc, phosphorus, manganese and copper were reported in
parts per million (ppm).

Phytochemical analysis and anti-nutrients

Quantitative phytochemical analyses of anti-nutrients were determined using the
methods of Sofowora (1993). All determinations were done in duplicates.

Statistical analysis
All data generated were analyzed using descriptive statistic (Olawuyi, 1996).
Statistical values that were calculated include mean and standard deviation.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Proximate and mineral composition of Moringa oleifera leaves

Table-1 showed the results of proximate analysis of Moringa leaves. The results
revealed that Moringa leaves contained appreciable amounts of crude protein (17.01% ±0.1)

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and carbohydrate (63.11% ±0.09). The leaves also contained appreciable amounts of crude
fibre (7.09% ±0.11), ash (7.93% ±0.12), crude fat (2.11% ±0.11) and fatty acid (1.69%
±0.09).

Table 1 Nutrient composition of Moringa oleifera harvested from Lafia,

Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Nutrients analyzed (% DW) Mean composition (% ± SD)

Crude Protein (CP) 17.01 ± 0.10

Crude Fibre (CF) 7.09 ± 0.11

Crude Fat (lipid) 2.11 ± 0.11

Ash Content 7.93 ± 0.12

Moisture 3.21 ± 0.10

Nitrogen (N) 2.83 ± 0.16

Carbohydrate (CHO) 63.11 ± 0.09

Fatty acid 1.69 ± 0.09

Dry Matter (DM) 96.79 ± 0.10

Energy value (Kcal/100kg) 1440.11 ±0.30

Legend : *Data are mean values ± standard deviation (SD) of duplicate results; DW = dry weight.

Table-2 showed that Moringa leaves contained essential minerals, Ca (1.91% ±0.08),
K (0.97% ±0.01), Na (192.95±4.4), Fe (107.48±8.2), Mn (81.65±2.31), Zn (60.06±0.3) and P
(30.15±0.5) parts per million (ppm). Magnesium (0.38% ±0.01) and copper (6.10±0.19) were
the least. The presence of these essential nutrients and minerals implies Moringa oleifera
leaves could be utilized as a nutritionally valuable and healthy ingredient for poultry. These
nutrients may not be strictly medicinal but could be valuable in preventing diseases that are
related to malnutrition.

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Table 2 Mineral composition of Moringa oleifera harvested from

Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Elements Mean composition (±SD)

Calcium (%) 1.91 ±0.08

Magnesium (%) 0.38 ±0.01

Potassium (%) 0.97 ±0.01

Sodium (ppm) 192.95 ± 4.48

Iron (ppm) 107.48 ±8.81

Zinc (ppm) 60.06 ± 0.30

Phosphorus (ppm) 30.15 ±0.47

Manganese (ppm) 81.65 ± 2.31

Copper (ppm) 6.10 ± 0.20

Legend : *Data are mean values ± standard deviation (SD) of duplicate results;
ppm = parts per million (1mg/kg = 1ppm).

The dry matter (DM) value of the Moringa leaves in this study was higher than the
values reported by Olugbemi et al. (2010) and Mutayoba et al. (2011). They reported DM
values of 93.7% and 87.20%, respectively. The value obtained in this study was slightly
higher (96.79%). However, the crude protein value reported by Olugbemi et al. (2010) was
higher (27.44%) than the value obtained in this study (17.01%). Mutayoba et al. (2011) also
reported much higher (30.65%) crude protein in Moringa oleifera leaves. The crude fibre, fat
and ash contents reported by them were also slightly higher than the values obtained in this
study. These differences may not be unconnected with variations in the geographical locations
of the growth and development or stage of maturity of the plants. The presence of these
important nutrients like carbohydrate, low crude fat and fatty acid (1.69% ±0.09) means
Moringa oleifera leaves could be used as a nutritionally valuable and healthy ingredient to
improve poultry health and growth performance. Low fat foods are known to reduce
cholesterol level (Gordon and Kessel, 2002).

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The Moringa leaves that were used in this study contained appreciable amount of
minerals, which compared well with those of other authors. In this study, values obtained for
the minerals, Mn (81.65 ±2.3), Zn (60.06 ±0.3) and Cu (6.1±0.2) were higher than those
reported by Mutayoba et al. (2011). Mutayoba et al. (2011) reported values of 57.34, 21.70
and 5.73 parts per million for Mn, Zn and Cu, respectively. However, the value of Fe
(318.81), Ca (2.47%), K (1.63%) and Mg (1.03%) reported in their work were higher than the
values obtained in this study. The differences in the composition may be due to the
differences in the locality of its growth and the stage at maturity prior to harvesting. Minerals
are required for normal growth, activities of muscles and skeletal development (such as
calcium), cellular activity and oxygen transport (copper and iron), chemical reaction in the
body and intestinal absorption (magnesium), fluid balance and nerve transmission (sodium
and potassium), as well as the regulation of acid-base balance (phosphorus). Iron is useful in
prevention of anemia and other related diseases (Oluyemi et al., 2006). Manganese plays a
role in energy production and in supporting the immune system (Muhammad et al., 2011). It
also works with vitamin K to support blood clotting, and with B complex vitamins to control
the effects of stress (Muhammad et al., 2011). Zinc is useful for protein synthesis, normal
body development and recovery from illness (Muhammad et al., 2011). Deficiency of these
nutrients and minerals are known to affect the performance and health of poultry (Merck,
2005).

Phytochemical composition and anti-nutrients

Table-3 showed that Moringa oleifera leaves contained tannins (21.19% ±0.25),
phytates (2.57% ±0.13), trypsin inhibitors (3.0% ±0.04), saponins (1.6% ±0.05), oxalates
(0.45% ±0.01) and low levels of cyanide ((0.1% ±0.01). The levels of these anti-nutrients
were low. Boiling in hot water reduces anti-nutrients of plant products (Enechi and
Odunwodu, 2003). Phytate is an organically bound form of phosphorus in plants. Phytates in
foods are known to bind with essential minerals (such as calcium, iron, magnesium and zinc)
in the digestive tract, resulting in mineral deficiencies (Bello et al., 2008). They bind minerals
to form insoluble salts, thereby decreasing their bioavailability or absorption (Thompson,
1993; Guil and Isasa, 1997; Muhammad et al., 2011).

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Table 3: Phytochemical composition and anti-nutrients of

Moringa oleifera from Lafia, Nasarawa State, Nigeria

Phytochemical/anti-nutrients Mean values (% ±SD)

Phytates 2.59 ± 0.13

Oxalates 0.45 ± 0.01

Saponins 1.60 ± 0.05

Tannins 21.19 ± 0.25

Trypsin inhibitors 3.00 ± 0.04

Hydrogen cyanide (HCN) 0.10 ± 0.01

Legend: *Data are mean values ± standard deviation (SD) of duplicate result

Tannins are plant polyphenols, which have ability to form complexes with metal ions
and with macro-molecules such as proteins and polysaccharides (De-Bruyne et al., 1999; Dei
et al., 2007). Dietary tannins are said to reduce feed efficiency and weight gain in chicks
(Armstrong et al., 1974; Dei et al., 2007).
Saponins are glycosides, which include steroid saponins and triterpenoid saponins
(Dei et al., 2007). High levels of saponins in feed affect feed intake and growth rate in poultry
(Sim et al., 1984; Potter et al., 1993; Dei et al., 2007). Reduction in feed intake has been
ascribed to the bitter taste of saponins (Cheeke, 1971) and due to the irritating taste (Oleszek
et al., 1994). Saponins (in excess), causes hypocholestrolaemia because it binds cholesterol
making it unavailable for absorption (Soetan and Oyewole, 2009). Saponins also have
haemolytic activity against RBC (Khalil and Eladawy, 1994). Saponin-protein complex
formation can reduce protein digestibility (Potter et al., 1993; Shimoyamada et al., 1998).
Oxalate binds with calcium to form calcium-oxalate crystals which are deposited as
urinary calcium (stones) that are associated with blockage of renal tubules (Blood and
Radostit, 1989). Trypsin inhibitor inhibits trypsin and chymotrypsin, which play a role in
digestion of protein in animals. Trypsin also causes pancreatic enlargement and growth
depression (Aletor and Fetuga, 1987). Hydrogen cyanide is toxic when ingested by
monogastric animals in large quantity. The levels of these anti-nutrients and cyanide detected
in the Moringa leaves were low. Soaking of plant materials or boiling in water is said to

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reduce toxic effects and improves utilization in terms of feed intake and protein digestibility
(Okai et al., 1995; Dei et al., 2007). Environmental factors and the method of preparation of
samples may influence the concentration of tannins present. Proper food processing would
reduce anti-nutrients (Akinyeye et al., 2011).
In this study, the levels of anti-nutrients detected in Moringa leaves appeared very
low. The presence of essential nutrients and minerals in Moringa leaves imply they could be
utilized to improve growth performance and health status of poultry. Certain bioactive
chemical compounds (like saponins, tannins and other phytochemicals), which are known as
secondary metabolites of plants are said to have pharmacologically active agents (Soetan and
Oyewole, 2009). They have antibacterial and anti-parasites properties. The practical
implications or effects of Moringa oleifera plant extract on growth performance and health
status of broiler chickens are discussed elsewhere by us.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the result of this study showed that Moringa oleifera leaves from Lafia,
Nasarawa State, Nigeria contained appreciable amounts of carbohydrate, protein and
minerals, which are nutritional requirements of poultry. Possibly, the leaves from this plant
could be useful as feed supplement and as medicine in poultry to improve health and growth
performance. The anti-nutritional factors present in this plant parts could be reduced through
adequate processing by boiling in hot water during aqueous extraction. It was recommended
that experimental trials in chickens using Moringa leaves and seed should be conducted.

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