Abstract
The increasing demand for natural alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters has intensified research into phytogenic feed additives for poultry production. Papaya (Carica papaya L.) leaf meal (PLM) has gained attention due to its nutritional richness and abundance of biologically active compounds. This study evaluated the proximate composition, mineral profile, vitamin content, and bioactive constituents of papaya leaf meal using standard analytical procedures. Fresh papaya leaves were harvested, shade-dried, milled, and subjected to laboratory analyses. The proximate composition revealed that the leaf meal contained 13.87% ash, 4.03% ether extract, 31.06% crude protein, 27.10% crude fibre, 23.94% nitrogen-free extract (NFE), and a metabolizable energy value of 2562.90 kcal/kg DM. Mineral analysis showed high concentrations of potassium (1430.65 mg/100 g), calcium (360.12 mg/100 g), phosphorus (240.51 mg/100 g), and magnesium (176.06 mg/100 g). The vitamin profile indicated appreciable levels of vitamins A, C, D, E, and B12, while phytochemical screening revealed the presence of phenolics, flavonoids, alkaloids, saponins, tannins, and carpaine. The results demonstrate that papaya leaf meal possesses valuable nutritive and functional properties that could enhance poultry performance, health status, and productivity. It is concluded that PLM has considerable potential as a sustainable phyto-additive in poultry diets, particularly when incorporated at moderate inclusion levels.