PROXIMATE ANALYSIS OF SWEET POTATO (IPOMEA BATATAS) LEAVES AND STEMS FOR ANIMALS FEED
Abstract
This study determined and compared the proximate composition of sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas) leaves and stems to evaluate their potential as animal feed resources. Fresh samples were collected from farms in Damaturu, Yobe State, Nigeria, and analyzed using standard AOAC (2019) methods for moisture, ash, crude protein, crude fat, crude fiber, and carbohydrate content. Results showed significant nutritional differences between plant parts. Sweet potato leaves contained moisture (41%), ash (7.9%), crude protein (2.0%), crude fat (3.4%), crude fiber (10.0%), and carbohydrate (35.0%). Stems exhibited moisture (32.5%), ash (3.4%), crude protein (7.0%), crude fat (2.4%), crude fiber (2.0%), and carbohydrate (52.7%). Leaves demonstrated superior protein, mineral, and fiber content, making them valuable for meeting livestock protein and micronutrient requirements. Stems showed higher carbohydrate levels, indicating their potential as energy-dense feed components. The complementary nutritional profiles suggest that combined use of both plant parts in feed formulation could optimize nutrient balance in animal diets. This study provides essential baseline data for farmers, feed formulators, and extension agents to develop cost-effective feeding strategies using locally available resources. Further research on anti-nutritional factors, digestibility, and seasonal variations is recommended to enhance sweet potato foliage utilization in livestock production systems.
Keywords: Sweet potato, proximate composition, leaves, stems, animal feed, nutritional valuemposition, leaves, stems, animal feed, nutritional value
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