Potentials of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) and West Indian Wood Nettle (Laportea aestuans L.) as Feed Supplements: Insight into their Phytochemicals

Abstract

Nutritional supplementation is essential for maximizing livestock health and resilience to stress. In addition to supporting the livestock's immune system, stress management, and general performance, these supplements correct nutritional shortages. Phoenix dactylifera and Laportea aestuans are common fruit and a folk medicine that have been reported for its anticancer, anti-inflammatory and reproductive dysfunction in animals. The phytochemical compositions of Phoenix dactylifera seeds and Laportea aestuans leaves were determined using spectrophotometric method. Flavonoid contents ranged from 98.56 – 126.16 mg QE/g, phenolic acid contents ranged from 133.36 – 274.25 mg TAE/g, alkaloid contents ranged from 7.88 – 11.75 mg/g, and carotenoid content ranged from 30.17 – 240.11 µg/g. Phytochemical compositions of both plant samples are within the acceptable limit in animal nutrition. Recommendation: The inclusion of these plants in animal diets, especially as natural feed additives will have a beneficial impact on animal health, productivity, and the quality of animal-derived products.