Portulaca oleracea (purslane): nutritive composition and clinico-pathological effects on Nubian goats

Feeding trials of Portulaca oleracea were conducted in two groups of Nubian goats that received the plant at daily doses of 5 g/kg BW and ad libitum, respectively. Consumption caused weakness of the fore and hind limbs with inability to stand, greenishwatery diarrhoea and polyuria. Hepatonephropathy and enteritis accompanied by alterations in some blood and serum constituents were also observed. Proximate analysis of P. oleracea indicated high crude protein (17.9%), crude fibre (20.3%), fat (5.6%), Mg (3.5%) and Ca (1.8%) contents. The plant is not recommended for animal nutrition when is given daily, fresh and in large quantities. © 2003 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved