Influence of poultry manure rates on proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions of Baobab (Adansonia digitata) leaves

Succulent leaves of two accessions of Baobab (Odo-Ere and Okoloke) grown under three poultry manure rates (PM) (0, 15 and 30 t ha-1) were harvested and assayed for proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient compositions using standard analytical procedures in replicated trials. Results of the analysis of variance revealed a significant (p<0.05) effect of accession and poultry manure on some proximate, mineral, vitamin and anti-nutrient contents of Baobab leaves. Accession sourced from Okoloke contained higher carbohydrates and protein while Odo-Ere accession had higher moisture content. Application of 15 t ha-1 of PM increased moisture content. The effect of accession was non-significant (p>0.05) on mineral contents. No application of PM enhanced iron, iodine and zinc concentrations. Vitamins B6, E and carotenoid contents were higher in Okoloke. Application of 30 t ha-1 of PM increased vitamin B6 and carotenoids. Odo-Ere produced higher flavonoids, oxalate and phytate while Okoloke contained higher phenol. Application of 30 t ha-1 of PM increased phenol content. Plants grown without PM and plants treated with 15 t ha-1 of PM topped regarding saponin. Biplot analysis revealed wide variability in nutritional qualities of Baobab leaves in response to the combined effects of accession and poultry manure. The results provided further insight into the utilization potential of leaves of Baobab. Furthermore, the results showed that poultry manure application could have a positive impact on the vitamin, proximate and anti-nutrient contents of Baobab leaves.