The potential use of white star apple seeds (<i>Chrysophyllum albidum</i>) and physic nut (<i>Jatropha curcas</i>) as feed ingredients for rats

Abstract

Forty-two (42) young male and female albino rats () were used in a preliminary study to assess the potential of non-conventional local materials, white star apple ( ) 'udara' seeds and physic nut ( ) as feed ingredients for livestock. 'Udara' seed or physic nut meal were added to 14% crude protein basal corn soya bean diets at the rates of 0,5,10, or 15 percent to replace some of the dietary maize and soya bean. All measured parameters: (average daily weight gain (ADG), feed/gain ratio, total feed intake and average daily fed intake) differed between rats and levels of treatment. The rats fed control diets (0% 'udara' seed or physic nut) and those fed diets containing 10 and 15% levels of 'udara' and 5, 10 and 15% levels of physic nut had negative ADG values. Feed/gain ratio of the rats on control diets (9.92) was similar to that of rats fed 5% udara, but was significantly (P < 0.05) superior to those of rats fed diets containing 10 and 15% of physic nut. Total feed and average daily intakes followed the same pattern. The rats fed control diets consumed significantly (P < 0.05) more feed than those rats fed diets containing 10 or 15% "udara", or 5,10, 15% levels of physic nut. However, rats fed diets containing the 5% 'udara' seeds had similar (P > 0.05) total feed and ADF with the rats on control diets. The rats fed diet containing 15% physic nut, had the least total feed and average daily feed intakes. The rats fed diet containing 15% physic nut, had the least total feed and average daily feed intakes. The results revealed that 'udara' seed could be incorporated into the diets of rats up to 5% level without deleterious effects while physic nut even at (5%) level could not be tolerated by the rats. The study points to the possibility of utilizing abundantly available and cheap 'udara' seeds in the diet of rats, a strategy that possesses the potential to reduce the high cost of livestock diets.:Albino Rats, White StarApple, Physic Nut,Average Daily Weight Gain, Feed/Gain Ratio.Generally feeds and feeding have been shown to account for 55-85% of the total cost of commercial livestock production (Madubuike, 1988). In the present biting global inflation, the livestock producer appears most hit in terms of scarcity and high cost of feed (Babatunde , 1975, Madubuike 1994, Madubuike ., 2003.

Antimicrobial Activities of Chrysophyllum Albidum Leaves, Fruits and Seeds

“…It is widely distributed from West Africa to the Sudan with an eastern limit in Kakamega forest, Kenya [2] . Chrysophyllum albidum, is distributed throughout the Southern part of Nigeria where it is called 'Agbalumo' (Yoruba) ; 'Udara' (Igbo), while in the Northern Nigeria, it is called 'Khada'(Hausa) [3,4] . Tannins, flavonoids, terpenoids, protein, carbohydrates, and resins are the phytochemicals that have been reported in Chrysophyllum albidum [5] .…”

Proximate, Physicochemical and Sensory Attributes of Stirred Yoghurt Flavoured with African Star Apple Pulp (Chrysophyllum albidum)

“…In Western Nigeria, the fruit is called "Agbalumo" and popularly referred to as "Udara" in South-Eastern Nigeria. Chrysophyllum albidium is a popular tropical fruit tree and widely distributed in the low rain forest zones and frequently found in villages [11]. The roots, barks, and leaves of Chrysophyllum albidium have been employed in folk medicine for the treatment of diseases.…”

Blood Sugar Lowering Potentials of Aqueous and Ethanol Extracts of the Mixture of Rinds of Citrullus vulgaris Schrad (Watermelon) and Chrysophyllum albidum G. (Udara) Fruits on Alloxan-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rats

“…C. albidum is a widespread humid fruit tree that is broadly distributed in the low land rain forest zones and commonly found in many villages and communities [11]. The roots, seeds, barks and leaves of C. albidum have been documented as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diseases.…”