Prospects in the use of Ficus polita as a local ruminant feed

Abstract

The proximate as well as the mineral compositions of Ficus polita and some anti nutritional factors were determined in order to justify the local use of this plant as a feedstuff especially for ruminant animals and to establish the possible wide scale utilization of this plant in the feed industry. The proximate, mineral and phytonutrient compositions of the plant were determined using standard methods of analysis. The plant was found to contain reasonable amounts of both macro and micro minerals required by farm animals for healthy growth. The caloric value of F. polita was also compatible with those of most tubers, roots and green leaves of many plant feeding stuffs. Also, the anti nutritional factors of the plant were found to be low. Thus, this plant, if well studied, could be used as an alternative to the highly prized grains and legumes required in human nutrition.