Nutrients and bioactives potency of bitter (Vernonia amygdalina) leaves as candidates for feedstuff and natural additives in broilers

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the nutrient and bioactive potency of bitter (Vernonia amygdalina) leaves as candidates for feedstuff and natural additives for substituting antibiotics in broiler chickens. Phase I research was conducted using laboratory analysis methods, consisting of phytochemical, proximate, beta-carotene and antioxidant analysis of bitter leaves. Data were analyzed using descriptive analysis method. The results showed that phytochemical screening by color visualization method showed the presence of flavonoid bioactive compounds, steroids, tannins and saponins. Quantitative methods using spectrophotometry showed total flavonoids 0.50% (w / w), total phenols 4.86% (w / w), and using titrimetry obtained tannin values of 0.05%. The results of proximate analysis on bitter leaf flour were: dry matter 90.87%, ash 14.77%, crude protein 23.45%, crude fat 4.15%, crude fiber 9.73%, Ca 1.438%, P 0.426%, and gross energy 4034.47 Kcal. The b-carotene content obtained through the TLC Scanner was 0.46%, the antioxidant content of IC 50% DPPH using Spectrophotometry was 274.09 ppm and. IC 50% DPPH antioxidant content using spectrophotometry with a standard vitamin C was 4.78 ppm. Based on results and discussion it can be concluded that the bitter leaf can be used as alternative feedstuff and natural additives.