Abstract

This paper seeks to review the nutritional values of Chromolaena odorata (C.O.), an erstwhile obnoxious plant. The food and medicinal values of this plant, aside from its agronomic importance were mentioned as part of the introductory pieces of information on its use in livestock production. The plant has assumed an enigmatic status of sort, to the herbalists, the agronomists and the livestock nutritionists alike, but recent research efforts as reviewed in this article, such as its use in the formulation of layers diets, its influence on performance, nutrient digestibility, mineral utilization, blood and biochemical indices of monogastrics as well as its acceptance and high preference score recorded on the West African dwarf goats are quickly changing the perception of the plant as a noxious weed to one of immense medicinal and nutritional potentials only waiting for mankind to continue to tap and benefit from.

Key words: Chromolaena odorata, agronomic, monogastrics, nutritionists, obnoxious