Investigation of the Nutritive Value and Mineral Elements of Combretum molle Leaves

The study was concern with determining the nutritive value and the concentrations of mineral elements of Combretum molle leaves. Leaves were analyzed for mineral elements by using standard analytical methods and AAS. The nutrients (ash, fibre, protein and moisture) content were obtained by different biochemical methods. The leaves were found to be high in Ca (210.01±13.32 ppm) concentration and low in Zn (0.74±0.01 ppm) and Cu (1.89±0.02 ppm) concentrations. The second highest element present was Mn at 66.36±8.21 ppm. Fe was found to be 14.14±2.11 ppm. Carbohydrates, proteins, fibre and moisture were present in significant amount, but low in fat content. The nutritive value of the leaves was found to be 296.49 cal/100 mg.