PHYSICOCHEMICAL PROPERTIES OF AFRICAN BLACK PLUM MULTINUTRIENT BLOCK

Abstract

Considering the inherent qualities of African black plum (Vitex doniana) plant, its exploitation in the formulation of multi-nutrient blocks may enhance the performance of ruminants on low quality roughages when offered as supplements. The study was thus conducted to determine the chemical composition and physical properties of multi-nutrient block licks produced from African black plum leaf and fruit meals. The leaves and fruits of African black plum were dried, crushed and milled. Three formulations of blocks were designated as F1 [control; 0% African black plum (ABP)], F2 (ABP leaf meal) and F3 (ABP fruit meal) nutrient blocks. The ingredients were mixed thoroughly in a 200L and the mixture placed in wooden moulds lined with polythene sheets. The mixture in the moulds were pressed manually and allowed to stay for 24 hours and afterwards, dried in well ventilated shade for two weeks. Chemical composition of the blocks was significantly (p<0.05) different in the blocks formulated except for dry matter, with higher values (with the exception of nitrogen free extract) recorded in the F2 formulation. Physical assessment of the blocks revealed the blocks had good and comparable hardness and compactness while the colours were black, dark green and dark brown for F1, F2 and F3 respectively. All the formulations had fine texture and sweet aroma. It was concluded that African black plum nutrient blocks had appreciable level of nutrients that can supplement the nutrient needs of ruminant livestock.