摘要：The present study was conducted to find out the nutritional composition of Albizia lebbeck seeds and pods intended to be used as component in livestock feeds. The dried pods were sampled within the premises of the Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto between the periods of February to March, 2004. Seeds were separated from their pods manually and milled separately. The powdered samples were analysed for proximate and mineral contents. The results of the experiments showed seeds have the following composition: Dry matter (DM), 89.89±0.09%; ash content 4.50±0.62%; crude protein , 10.06±0.04%; crude lipid, 9.48±0.02%; crude fibre, 8.01±0.09%, Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE), 67.95±2.02%. The corresponding values for pods are: 12.00±1.85, 10.00±0.18, 5.38±0.03, 0.74±0.04, 3.25±0.05 and 80.63±1.15%, respectively. The samples generally have high calorific value 397.36±1.84 and 350.72±0.45% respectively. The crude protein , crude lipid, crude fibre contents and calorific value were significantly higher (p<0.05) in seeds compared to those of pods. Ash content and Nitrogen Free Extract (NFE) were however significantly higher (p<0.05) in pods. The dry matter content shows no significant variation (p>0.05) between the two samples. For mineral analysis, both samples have appreciable amounts of mineral elements such as K, Na, Ca, Mg, P, Cu, Fe and Zn with seeds sample having significant (p<0.05) concentration of Na, Ca and Fe; while pods contain significantly higher amount of K, Mg, P, Zn and Cu. From the results it can be concluded that Albizia lebbeck seeds could be an important protein supplements while pods as an important source of micronutrients for feed formulation.
