Nutritional and antinutritional properties of the leaf of Ardisia solanacea Roxb. (Myrsinaceae), a fodder additive
Nutritional and antinutritional properties of the leaf of Ardisia solanacea Roxb., a common shrub found in Kuttanad wetlands, Kerala, India, were analysed to find out its utility as a cattle food additive. The results of proximate analysis revealed the presence of high moisture (67%) and ash (25.31%) contents. This plant is a good source of protein (31.25%) and carbohydrate (7.3%). The fat (0.00067%) and crude fiber (6.6%) contents were found in appreciable quantity. The total energy value was estimated at 154.20 kcal/100g. The mineral analysis revealed the presence of abundant calcium (Ca) (76952 mg/kg) and phosphorus (P) (0.1 g/100g ) recorded the lowest value. The other elements like sodium (Na) (4347 mg/kg), potassium (K) (12637 mg/kg), magnesium (Mg) (2197 mg/kg), zinc (Zn) (11.2 mg/kg) and copper (Cu) (5.7 mg/ kg) were also found in sufficient quantity. The total free amino acid content was found to be 26.95 µg/500 mg and the in vitro protein digestibility of the leaf was 64.29%. The presence of vitamins, ascorbic acid (4.44 mg/g), beta carotene (240 mg/ml) and tocopherol (7.29 µg/g) were also found in appreciable quantities. The antinutritional factors such as phenols (113.42 µg/g), tannins (2.44 µg/g), phytic acid (1562.7 mg/100g), trypsin inhibitor unit (4.03mg/g) and lectins (75 mg/ml) were recorded. The leaf of A. solanacea is recommended as a food additive after proper treatments.