Relative analysis of two citrus species versus maize for potential nutritive traits as livestock feed

The present study seek to assess the nutritional qualities and the mineral composition of citrus fruits (pulps + peels) of two different species (Citrus clementina and Citrus limon), while comparing its nutritive perspective with Zea mays L (yellow maize) commonly used as livestock feed. Proximate evaluation was done via the method of the association of official analytical chemists (AOAC). Elemental components of citrus species were measured by means of a standard spectrometer. The proximate evaluation of the sample indicated that Citrus limon fruit contained comparable amounts of protein, fibre and lipid, but significantly higher ash contents than yellow maize. While the Citrus clementina was higher in protein and ash content, but comparable moisture content to Zea mays L. Meanwhile, minerals including Ca, Mg, K, Na, Cu, Mn and Fe were significantly higher in the two citrus species than in Zea mays L. Therefore the manuscript revealed that the Citrus clementina and Citrus limon species possess the potentials to be utilized as livestock feed ingredients.