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Effects of Partial Replacement of Dietary Maize with African Pear (Dacryodes edulis) Seed Meal on Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Retention of Broiler Chickens in the Humid Tropics
Abstract
This study was aimed at determining the effects of partially replacing dietary maize with Dacryodes edulis seed meal on growth performance, feed consumption, mortality and nutrient digestibility and retention in broiler chickens and the cost benefit of so doing. Two hundred and 225 day old anak broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments of 45 birds per treatment in which Dacryodes edulis Seed Meal (DESM) replaced maize at 0% (control), 15, 30, 45 and 60% levels in the diets fed at the starter (0-28 days) and finisher (29-56 days) phases of production. The birds in each treatment were further divided into three replicates of 15 birds each and provided the feed and water ad libitum. The performance records of the birds in terms of body weight gains and feed intake showed that while the chicks tolerated up to 60% level of maize replacement with DESM in their diets, growth in the finishing birds was significantly depressed at the upper levels of DESM inclusion. Highest mortality (11.11%) occurred only during the starter phase (0-28 days) in broilers that received 30% dietary DESM. Dry matter and crude fibre digestibility and nitrogen and fat retention generally decreased significantly with increasing levels of dietary DESM. Moreover, from an economic point of view, it was more profitable to utilize DESM at the upper levels of maize replacement (45 and 60%) in starter diets, but at not more than 30% in finisher diets.
... Dacryodes edulis belongs to the family of Burseraceae and is a dioecious plant found natively in many African countries, including Cameroon [9]. It is a perennial tree crop, which is widely grown in the wet regions of West Africa and Cameroon [10]. Phytochemical studies of the leaf extracts of Dacryodes edulis revealed high concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins [9,11], and they show various biological activities, which include antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities [9,11]. ...
Abstract: The leaf extracts of Dacryodes edulis possess high concentrations of alkaloids, saponins, flavonoids, and tannins with various biological activities, including antimicrobial, antifungal, and antioxidant activities. These activities can be used in animal production to avoid the energy lost in favor of growth and reproduction. A total of 48 Brahma hens (45 days old), weighing on average 400 ± 12 g, were randomly distributed into four dietary treatment groups (12 birds each) with four replicates per group. The control group (T0) received 0% D. edulis, while the three test groups (T0.25, T0.50, and T0.75) were given feed with D. edulis powder leaves at concentrations of 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75%, respectively, for a period of 60 days. Water and feed were supplied ad libitum. At the end of the study period (60 days), eight birds per treatment (two per replicate) were fasted, weighed, and slaughtered. Blood samples and organs were collected for analysis of growth characteristics, oxidative stress, and toxicity indices. This study revealed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in feed intake and live body weight with 0.75% D. edilus powder leaves. Abdominal fat was found to be significantly (p < 0.05) lower with 0.75% D. edilus powder leaves compared to the control group. Serum Aspartate aminotransferase activity was significantly (p < 0.05) lower in birds exposed to 0.75% D. edulis leaf powder compared to the control group. The use of D. edulis leaf powder as feed additive in feed could reduce oxidative stress and improve growth performance in Brahma. More research can be conducted on D. edilus, and it can be used in broiler feed at 0.75% concentration, which has shown a significant increase and decrease, respectively, in live body weight and serum aspartate aminotransferase activity.
... Decoctions from different parts of the plant are used to relieve certain digestive disorders caused by microbial infection (Ebana et al., 2016). The D. edulis fruit has traditionally been consumed (boiled or roasted) due to its nutritional and medicinal properties (Kadji et al., 2016), while the seeds, which are usually discarded, are known to contain high amounts of soluble carbohydrates and lipids (Bratte, 2010). The documented antimicrobial benefits to human health and nutrition informed the choice of the D. edulis plant for evaluation for its suitability in use as feed supplement and growth promoter in indigenous chicken in this study. ...
This study aimed at testing the efficacy and safety of Dacryodes edulis plant parts in diets fed to chicken. The plant has potential for use as a natural prebiotic to substitute the conventionally used antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. Phytochemical analyses of the plant leaves, stem and bark combination (stembark) and seed powders from the D. edulis were carried out. The powder from the three D. edulis plant parts were used as supplement in formulating six experimental diets tested in this study. The diets were TL0Ed (0.5% leaves powder), TL1Ed (1.0% leaves powder), TB0Ed (0.5% stembark powder), TB1Ed (1.0% stembark powder), TS0Ed (0.5% seeds powder) and TS1Ed (1.0% seeds powder). Besides, a positive (T+ positive control; 0.5g oxytetracycline as recommended by the manufacturer) and a negative (T- negative control; having no commercial antibiotic and no plant supplement) diets were prepared for comparison purposes. The diets were fed to a total of 288 dual-purpose chicken for a period of 14 weeks. The chicken growth and body composition characteristics, blood chemistry, and microbiota count were collected and used as indicators of the plant parts efficacy and safety. The analysis of the D. edulis plant parts significantly differed (p≤0.05) in their phytochemical contents. The initial body weight and feed conversion efficiency ratios were not significantly different (p≥0.05) between and among treatment groups. However, significant differences (p≤0.05) were detected in the feed intake and body weight gain at 8th week. Live weight at 8th week was significantly different (p≤0.05) with its values ranging between 503.32g and 614.93 g for treatments TL1Ed and TNeg-, respectively. The dietary treatment of D. edulis leaves, stembark and seed powder at the two inclusion levels significantly (p≤0.05) decreased the colonies forming unit of Escherichia coli and Salmonella sp as compared to negative control treatment in the 8th week phase. The level of glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine amino transferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and the packed cell volume (PCV) did not differ significantly (p≥0.05) between and among dietary D. edulis treatments. The findings from this research provide crucial information on the efficacy and safety of D. edulis plant parts. This is an important step in testing the potential of the plant in use as a prebiotic in chicken feeds production.
... Decoctions from different parts of the plant are used to relieve certain digestive disorders caused by microbial infection (Ebana et al., 2016). The D. edulis fruit has traditionally been consumed (boiled or roasted) due to its nutritional and medicinal properties (Kadji et al., 2016), while the seeds, which are usually discarded, are known to contain high amounts of soluble carbohydrates and lipids (Bratte, 2010). The documented antimicrobial benefits to human health and nutrition informed the choice of the D. edulis plant for evaluation for its suitability in use as feed supplement and growth promoter in indigenous chicken in this study. ...
This study aimed at testing the efficacy and safety of Dacryodes edulis plant parts in diets fed to chicken. The plant has potential for use as a natural prebiotic to substitute the conventionally used antibiotic growth promoters in poultry production. Phytochemical analyses of the plant leaves, stem and bark combination (stembark) and seed powders from the D. edulis were carried out. The powder from the three D. edulis plant parts were used as supplement in formulating six experimental diets tested in this study. The diets were TL0Ed (0.5% leaves powder), TL1Ed (1.0% leaves powder), TB0Ed (0.5% stembark powder), TB1Ed (1.0% stembark powder), TS0Ed (0.5% seeds powder) and TS1Ed (1.0% seeds powder). Besides, a positive (T+ positive control; 0.5g oxytetracycline as recommended by the manufacturer) and a negative (T-negative control; having no commercial antibiotic and no plant supplement) diets were prepared for comparison purposes. The diets were fed to a total of 288 dual-purpose chicken for a period of 14 weeks. The chicken growth and body composition characteristics, blood chemistry, and microbiota count were collected and used as indicators of the plant parts efficacy and safety. The analysis of the D. edulis plant parts significantly differed (p≤0.05) in their phytochemical contents. The initial body weight and feed conversion efficiency ratios were not significantly
... This rate will make significant contribution to diet in ameliorating protein malnutrition. According to Bratte (2011), a meal of safou and starches (cassava, bread) is a balanced ration. The carbohydrate content in safou (D. edulis) fruits varied from 14.66 to 17.82%. ...
Objectives: Dacryodes edulis is tropical multi-purpose tree, which produces fruits for human consumption. Unfortunately, this fruit grown in Côte d’Ivoire is still unknown to the public and is the subject of very few studies. The present study aims to characterize D. edulis fruits starting from their morphological to chemical properties.
Methodology and Results: Ripe fruits were collected from 3 sites (CNRA-Azaguié, Azaguié-Blida and Grand- Morié). The morphological characteristics measured (weight, length, diameter and pulp thickness) and identified 2 Ivorian safou varieties: D. edulis var. edulis and D. edulis var. parvicarpa. The proximate composition was as follow: moisture (43.02-46.80%), protein (18.66-20.20%), lipid (48.39-52.66%), ash (0.83-1.40%), crude fibre (2.70-3.13%), carbohydrate (14.66-17.82%) and vitamin C (3.06-3.36%). Based on the mineral analysis, the results showed that the most abundant mineral was calcium (531.31-1337.02 mg/kg), followed by potassium (552.39-646.05 mg/kg), zinc (130.48-136.18 mg/kg), sodium (51.54-108.01 mg/kg), magnesium (23.13-73.18 mg/kg), manganese (25.96-26.86 mg/kg) and iron (4.91-8.67 mg/kg). Most of high levels of nutrient content were observed in D. edulis var. edulis.
Conclusions and application of findings: Dacryodes edulis fruits are potential source of essential nutrient for Ivorian people and its oil could be used to develop cosmetic products.
Keywords: Dacryodes edulis, variety, morphological characteristic, proximate composition, mineral composition.
... Its fruits (called safou or African pear) are greatly appreciated and consumed by local populations (Silou 1996;Tabuna & Tanoe 2009). Several studies have been undertaken on nutritional and chemical properties of the pulp and oils of safou (Arisa & Lazarus 2008;Bratte 2011;Kapseu 2009;Law 2010;Umoti & Okyi 1987), on some diseases (Mouaragadja & Mbatchi 1994;Nwufo et al. 1989), but there was little knowledge about pests. Recently, work focusing on D. edulis cultivation development pointed to the need for in-depth studies on insect pests (Kengué 2006). ...
Pseudonoorda edulis Maes & Poligui (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), the safou red borer caterpillar (SRBC), is a new insect species from Central and West Africa, recently reported as a fruit pest of Dacryodes edulis in Gabon. Damage in Gabon was estimated at 22 % in terms of fruit loss. Two peaks of attacks were recorded at the end of September and November, respectively. Fully grown larvae were red and the moth was earthen in colour. Average length and breadth of eggs were 0.86 ± 0.01 mm and 0.47 ± 0.01 mm, respectively. First, second, third, fourth and fifth instar larvae measured in length as 4.80 ± 0.09 mm, 8.00 ± 0.12 mm, 13.03 ± 0.32 mm, 15.17 ± 0.08 mm and 19.69 ± 0.43 mm and in breadth as 0.87 ± 0.02 mm, 1.87 ± 0.02 mm, 2.30 ± 0.32 mm, 2.67 ± 0.03 mm and 2.75 ± 0.21 mm, respectively. The male and female wingspan average was 19.64 ± 1.05 mm and 22.60 ± 1.40 mm, respectively. Further investigations are needed to assess suitable strategies for biological control of this pest.
... One of the major limiting factors to expand the poultry sector in Zambia is the high cost of feed ingredients such as maize, which constitutes 45-60% of finished feeds (Dairo et al., 2001;Bratte, 2011). Domestic price of maize is very high because it is a staple food for humans in the country, and it is also used in industrial purposes. ...
This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of replacing maize in quail diets with graded levels of rumen filtrate-fermented cassava meal (FCM) on growth and egg production performances. Cassava meal (CM) was mixed with dried manure of layer at 75 g/kg CM, which was mixed with freshly collected rumen filtrate (at 1 L/5 kg CM), and finally fermented in sealed bags for 14 days. It was then sun-dried and added in grower or finisher diets at 0, 50, 75 and 100%. Then, 84 three weeks-old Japanese quails (Cortunix japonica) were divided into four equal groups; the birds were randomly assigned to 0, 50, 75 and 100% FCM grower/layers diets, and were reared until 56 days of age. Daily feed consumption, weekly body weights, weight gains, feed conversion ratios (FCR), hen-day, and egg weights were monitored. The quails fed with 75% FCM were found to be superior (p
... Research into and use of unconventional feed ingredients in poultry nutrition are aimed at finding cheaper and readily available alternatives to expensive feed ingredients. Recent studies have shown that seeds of the African pear (Dacryodes edulis G. Don, H.J. Lam) contain high levels of energy (as lipids and soluble carbohydrates) (Bratte et al., 2010) and can be used to partially replace up to 30% of the dietary maize in broiler diets without deleterious effects on semen quality of broiler breeder cocks and body weight, nutrient digestibility and retention of broilers (Bratte, 2011). It therefore holds some potential in reducing feed costs and increasing profits of broiler producers in resourcepoor countries of West Africa where Dacryodes edulis is widely grown. ...
In an investigation to determine the effects of utilizing seeds of the African Pear (Dacryodes edulis G. Don, H.J. Lam) as a replacement for maize in the diets of broiler chickens on the carcass and organ weights and on the organoleptic properties of the birds, two hundred and twenty-five (225) day-old Anak broilers were randomly assigned to five dietary treatments with 45 birds per treatment in which DESM replaced maize at 0% (control), 15%, 30%, 45% and 60% levels at the starter (0-28 days) and finisher (29-56 days) phases of production. The birds in each treatment were further divided into three replicates of fifteen (15) birds each and provided the feed and water ad libitum. The carcass and organ weights and organoleptic quality indices did not differ significantly (p>0.05) with variations in the level of DESM in the diets. Breast weight generally tended to decrease as the proportion of DESM in the diet was increased. Broilers which received 60% DESM for maize diets had the highest head, drumstick, thigh and neck weights (expressed as percentages of EW) while the control treatment produced the lowest drumstick, thigh and wing weights (as percentages of EW). Besides the heart, the proportions of the liver, pancreas and spleen were generally numerically higher at 45% and 60% levels of maize substitution with DESM than the control values. Meat tenderness, juiciness, flavour and overall acceptability were unaffected (p>0.05) by the level of inclusion of Dacryodes edulis Seed Meal (DESM) in the broiler diets. The coefficients of linear correlation between the meat quality variables were non-significant except for that between juiciness and flavour. It was concluded that DESM, when used to replace up to 60% of the maize in broiler diets does not adversely alter the ability of broilers to synthesize muscle and organ tissue.
In Gabon, the African plum (Dacryodes edulis [G.Don] H.J.Lam) is an important fruit tree because of its nutritional value and its place within both the economy and the socio-cultural context. The fruits of this tree are widely appreciated and are sold regularly in all major urban markets. Local production is limited but is offset by significant imports from border countries. Culture of the African plum is widespread in anthropized areas, mainly in domestic gardens. The market and agronomic potential of this species has not yet been sufficiently studied in Gabon. There is no detailed study of the pests affecting D. edulis, or of their control. Numerous scientific studies carried out in neighboring countries have revealed excellent nutritional qualities of the safou pulp and interesting food properties of the oil extracted from both the safou pulp and the seed kernel. Within the context of sustainable development, the modernization of the culture of the African plum in Gabon, in particular by reducing pest-related losses and through the prudent use of all the products of the tree, may lead to important economic and industrial incomes.
Chicken production scenarios, feedstuff resources, and experience of using alternative ingredients were reviewed with the aim of improving chicken production in Ethiopia. The common production systems used for chicken production in Ethiopia are traditional, extensive types. There is a high demand for protein foods, particularly those from poultry in this country. However, the performance of chickens in Ethiopia is poor and consequently the demand for chicken products is not met. This sector is characterised by insufficient levels of co-ordination, little or no specialisation or vertical-integration. Issues with feed are the main factors contributing to reduced chicken productivity, subsequently discouraging chicken producers. Moreover, the recent feed price increment is upsetting many plans for further development of poultry production in this country. Consequently, poultry populations and the per capita consumption of eggs and poultry meat in Ethiopia have been declining. Furthermore, the competition between food and feed is expected to further increase the feed price, forcing producers to look for alternative feeds and locally available feeds for their birds. Possibilities to improve the utilisation of by-products for poultry feed must be reviewed for poultry producers. It is concluded that headway options for alternative feed sources to improve the productivity of chickens in Ethiopia must be explored to alleviate some of the problems seen in this industry.
Le safoutier Dacryodes edulis (Burseraceae) est un important arbre fruitier originaire du Golfe de
Guinée. Ses fruits (safou) sont nutritionnels, beaucoup consommés et commercialisés sur les marchés
urbains d’Afrique centrale et sur les marchés africains d’Europe, générant des revenus substantiels aux
producteurs et aux commerçants. Le safoutier est susceptible d’apporter des revenus considérables aux
économies des pays d’Afrique centrale. Cependant, malgré cette importance alimentaire et
économique, il existe très peu d’études sur le safoutier au Gabon, et ses ravageurs sont peu connus
dans toute son aire de culture. La présente étude a donc été entreprise pendant les saisons de floraison
et de fructification de cet arbre, d’Août à Décembre 2009 à 2011. Le principal objectif était d’évaluer
l’entomofaune fréquentant le safoutier au sein des agroécosystèmes du Gabon. Des techniques
complémentaires de surveillances entomologiques ont été utilisées, à savoir les pièges jaunes et les
observations visuelles, en zones rurales et urbaines. L’étude révèle l’existence une typologie culturale
constituée de jardins de case à dominance fruitière, et des jardins de cultures mixtes. Dans les deux
systèmes culturaux, D. edulis est l’arbre fruitier majeur. Les abondances et la diversité entomologique
ont été déterminées, et les ravageurs et insectes utiles les plus importants ont été identifiés suivant les
associations culturales. L’exploitation des diagrammes de relations trophiques (food webs) a permis de
caractériser les liens entre les espèces entomologiques et le type de cultures. Les abondances
d’insectes sont plus élevées en milieu rural où D. edulis a une densité plus forte qu’en milieu urbain.
La diversité d’insectes est similaire entre les deux milieux. L’intérêt et les caractéristiques
phénologiques des ravageurs majeurs ont été décrits, et des mesures de lutte biologique ont été
préconisées pour leur contrôle. Les ravageurs prédominants de l’agroécosystème rural sont
Oligotrophus sp (Diptera: Cecidomyiidae), Pseudophacopteron serrifer Malenovsky
(Phacopteronidae) et Selenothrips rubrocinctus Giard (Thysanopera: Thripidae), tandis que
Pseudonoorda edulis Maes & Poligui (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), Bactrocera invadens Drew Tsuruta
& White (Diptera: Tephritidae) et Physophoropterella bendroiti Poppius (Hemiptera: Miridae)
sévissent prépondéremment dans l’agroécosystème urbain. Apis mellifera andansoni Latreille
(Apidae) est la principale espèce pollinisatrice, en milieu urbain. Pseudonoorda edulis a été le
ravageur le plus dommageable des fruits du safoutier, et des informations de base sur sa prévalence, sa
biologie et ses caractéristiques morphométriques ont été fournies dans ce travail. Ces résultats
apportent une meilleure connaissance des ravageurs et pollinisateurs de D. edulis au Gabon. Des
études ultérieures devraient être conduites sur un environnement plus large de la culture, mais surtout
cibler la recherche des mesures de contrôle biologique de P. edulis.
The objective of this work was to study the efficacy of different enzymes (Natuphos® phytase at 500 FTU/kg, Optizyme® a mixture of multienzymes at 0.075%, and phospholipase A2 at 500 U/kg) on enhancing nutrient utilisation of diets containing 7.5, 15 or 30% rice bran compared to 0% rice bran fed to broilers during 28-49 d of age. Also, 15 or 30% rice bran containing-diets were formulated based on tree available amino acid value (TAAA) only, or combined with phytase plus phospholipase for only 30% rice bran-containing diet. Results indicated that rice bran is containing 12.5% CP, 15% ether extract, 0.26% methionine, 0.63% Met + cystine, and 0.70% lysine. Methionine is the 1st limiting amino acid, arginine the 2nd and isoleucine the 3rd limiting amino acid in rice bran. Results showed that AAAA of the investigated batch of rice bran averaged 63%, whereas TAAA was 71%. The determined values for total P, phytic acid, and phytase of this batch of rice bran were 1.01%, 3.31%, and 164 FTU/kg, respectively. A content of 39.7 unit/mg protein was determined for trypsin inhibitor. Calorific value was 12.06 and 12.46 MJ/kg rice bran for AMEn and TMEn, respectively. Natuphos® phytase, Optizyme® or phospholipase completely overcame the negative effect of the diet containing 7.5% rice bran on feed conversion ratio (FCR). Performance of broilers fed diets containing 15 or 30% rice bran was partially compensated when any of the enzymes was added. Also, formulating broiler diets containing 15 or 30% of rice bran based on TAAA numerically increased growth, and significantly improved FCR. Formulating 30% rice bran containing-diet based on TAAA, besides addition of phytase plus phospholipase, resulted in a further amelioration in FCR, and showed a performance comparable to the diet containing 15% rice bran, indicating the dietary level of this feedstuff could be increased quite drastically. Enzyme supplementation partially reversed the negative impacts of 15 or 30% rice bran on ash, Ca and P-contents of the tibia, and plasma Ca, and alkaline phosphatase, depending on rice bran level. Also, phytase supplementation to 15% rice bran containing-diet completely alleviated pancreas hypertrophy. In general, phytase and phospholipase appeared to be more effective than Optizyme®, which showed in its turn larger effect than TAAA-based formulation. The combination of TAAA-based formulation, phytase and phosphilipase addition to the 30% rice bran-containing diet was, however, most effective of all treatments. These enzymes and its combination permit, consequently to incorporate higher levels of rice bran into broiler diets.
The resin oil obtained by hydrodistillation from Dacryodes edulis G. Don growing in Gabon was analyzed by GC and GC/MS. The major constituents in the essential oil were sabinene (21.76%), terpinene-4-ol (19.79%), α-pinene (17.47%) and p-cymene (11.29%). The in vitro antioxidant activity was investigated with two methods: 2, 2-diphenylpicrylhydrazyl radical (DPPH) scavenging essay and β-carotene bleaching test. Butylated hydroxyltoluene was employed as positive control. The essential oil showed antioxidant and DPPH radical scavenging activities and it displayed the inhibition of lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, the antimicrobial activity of essential oil was evaluated using a broth microdilution method. Dacryodes edulis essential oil exhibited antibacterial activity but it was unable to inhibit the growth of fungal species tested.
Studies have been carried out on the oil characteristics of Dacryodes edulis pulp and seed grown in Nigeria, to determine the proximate composition of the pulp and seed. Oils from the pulp and seed were extracted and analyzed for their physico-chemical characteristics. The proximate analysis results showed the seed to have similar values to those of pulp. Similar results were obtained for the physico-chemical characteristics of the pulp and seed oils. Oil yield from the pulp and seed are 11.94% and 10.44% respectively. Both the pulp and seed are low in protein, 1.930.20% and 1.400.18%, but have high crude fibre values which are 47.501.30% and 48.501.60% respectively. The acid and saponification values of the pulp and seed oils are the same, 5.61 and 179.52 but there is a difference in their iodine values which are 19.870.45 and 31.500.50 respectively. The two oils which are dark yellow in colour are consistently liquid at room temperature with similar specific gravity 0.85200.03 and 0.84000.02 for the pulp and seed. On the whole, it can be shown that there is no much difference between the proximate and physicochemical composition of the pulp and seed of D. edulis grown in Nigeria.
Dacryodes edulis is a dioecious, shade loving, evergreen tree, indigenous to the Gulf of Guinea and widely cultivated in other tropical parts of Africa for its fruit. The edible fruit to which the plant owes its principal values is a rich source of nutrients such as lipids, vitamins and protein. The fruit yields a high content of fixed and essential oils. The fruits are highly consumed and traded locally and internationally, conferring enormous economic value on the plant. The plant has long been used in the traditional medicine of some African countries to treat various ailments such as wound, skin diseases, dysentery and fever. The extracts and secondary metabolites have been found to show biological activities such as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti sickle cell anemia. A wide range of chemical constituents such as terpenes, flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids and saponins have been isolated from the plant. This review provides a comprehensive detail of the plant's ethnomedicinal uses, biological effects, chemical constituents and economic property as a medicinal plant.
Analysis of the seeds of Dacryodes edulis showed it to contain 76 g kg−1 carbohydrates, 338 g kg−1 proteins, 110 g kg−1 fixed oil, 126 g kg−1 ash, 273 g kg−1 crude fibre and appreciable amounts of K, Ca, Na, Mg and P. The amino acid profile showed it to be rich in the essential amino acids lysine, phenylalanine, leucine and isoleucine. The oil had the following fatty acids: palmitic (61.9%), oleic (18.3%) and linoleic (19.0%). Preliminary studies did not reveal the presence of toxic principles.
In an investigation conducted to determine the nutrient composition of seeds of the African Pear ( Dacryodes edulis G. Don, H.J.Lam) and their potential as a feed ingredient in non-ruminant nutrition, samples of sun-dried, ground seeds of the African pear ( Dacryodes Edulis Seed Meal) (DESM) were analyzed using standard laboratory procedures. The gross energy and metabolizable energy contents of DESM (3820.74 kcal/kg and 3368.04 kcal/kg respectively) and its crude protein (6.98%), ether extracts (8.98%) crude fibre (7.42%) ash (3.36%) and nitrogen-free extracts (73.26%) indicate that DESM can be classified as an energy feed. The anti-nutrients present were tannins (6.37 x 10<SUP>-4</SUP> mg/100g), phytates (0.49 mg/100 g) and oxalates (1.68 x 10<SUP>-15</SUP> mg/100 g) while its amino acid profile revealed only trace amounts of the essential and non-essential amino acids and vitamins. DESM contained reasonable amounts of iron, manganese, zinc, sodium and iodine while its calcium, copper and selenium levels were low. It was concluded that DESM may act as a close substitute for maize, especially in poultry diets, on account of its similarity in soluble carbohydrate content to maize and its protein content. This is expected to reduce production costs to poultry farmers in Nigeria and make poultry products available to consumers at more affordable costs.