Abstract

The potentials of Leucaena leucocephala leaf and seed as an alternative protein and condiment source for livestock and man was evaluated in comparison with Parkia biglobosa and Prosopis africana leaf and seed through proximate analysis. Matured seeds and young healthy leaves of these three plants were collected from respective parent trees in Ilorin, Kwara State, Nigeria and prepared for proximate analysis. Seeds with their testa removed and the leaves were air dried. The result showed that L. leucocephala had the highest leaf crude protein (21.42 %) and the seeds contain 24.14% crude protein close to that of P. biglobosa (26.44%) which had the highest for the three seeds but the least for leaf (16.68%). L. leucocephala contains highest amount of fiber (2.96%) well above 2.62% and 1.91% in P. biglobosa and P. Africana respectively. Fat and oil percentage observed in L. leucocephala seed was the highest (6.30%) compared to 6.21% and 6.18% obtain in P. biglobosa and P. africana respectively. L. leucocephala nutritional profile obtained in this study competes well with both P. biglobosa and P. africana which are commonly used as important food ingredients. High fiber content makes it a great source of roughages in feed formulation likewise the competing protein makes it a close substitute for sustainable and affordable source of protein due to its rapid vegetative development and mass seed production.

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