Nutritional Assessment of Turkey Berry Leaves in Livestock Production

Abstract

This study analyzed the turkey berry (Solanum torvum) leaf phytochemicals along with its mineral content and proximate composition. The production of Solanum torvum leaf meal began with seven days of leaf air-drying at room temperature, followed by grinding the leaves. Atomic absorption spectrometry evaluated both phytochemical compounds (saponin, tannin, flavonoid, and alkaloid) along with minerals (calcium Ca, sodium Na, potassium K, magnesium Mg, phosphorus P, and iron Fe) in the leaves. High concentrations of dry matter and nitrogen free extract, moderate crude protein, low crude fiber, ether extract and ash, were found in the leaves according to proximate analysis. According to mineral analysis, Solanum torvum leaves were found to contain minerals (g/100g) including Ca, Na, K, Mg, P, and Fe. Solanum torvum leaves have appreciable levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, mucilage, saponin, and tannin. The crude protein and mineral contents of Solanum torvum leaves particularly calcium and potassium as well as the resulting phytochemical qualities suggest that these leaves have excellent nutritional value and might be used as a feed additive in poultry production.