Moringa Oleifera Leaves in Broiler Diets: Effect on Chicken Performance and Health

Abstract

Moringa products have a wide range of applications in agricultural, industrial and pharmaceutical processes. Moringa leaves have a relatively high crude protein content which varies from 25% to 32%. A high proportion of this protein is potentially available for digestion due to a high proportion of pepsin soluble nitrogen (82-91 %) and low proportion (1-2%) of acid detergent insoluble protein.Determination of chemical composition was evaluated in Moringa Leaves then Five iso-nitrogenous and iso-caloric experimental broiler diets were formulated as MOL0%, MOL5%, MOL10%, MOL15% and MOL20%, respectively and supplemented to broilers (10 chicks in each concentration) for 42 day. After 42^nd day, chemical analysis of lipid profile(triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and vLDL), and haematological analysis(Hb, RBC, PCV, MCV, MCHC, Plt, MPV, PCT, PDW, WBC, LYM, MON, GRA) were recorded. Also tissue sampling from Bursa, Spleen, and Thymus were collected and preserved in 10 % formalin for histopathological examination. The obtained values were statistically analysed by one way analysis of variance (ANOVA) The chemical composition was determined in Moringa oleifera leaves, were ash, crude fiber, crude lipids, crude protein, total sugars, reducing sugar and non-reducing sugars. The highest effect of supplementation of moringa oleifera poultry diets on body weight of broiler, were 2293, 2318 and 2391gm, of treatments (10, 15 and 20% of MOL), respectively. Also, the more effective treatment were 20% of MOL of blood biochemical, lipid profile (triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, LDL and vLDL) and haematological parameters (HB, RBCs, Plt and WBCs), comparing with normal diets, histopathology of Bursa, Thymus, and Spleen showed improvement and hyperactivity in 15% and 20% MOL. Therefore, it is recommended to add Moringa oleifera at 15% and 20% in broiler diets to improve performance and health.

Keywords: Broiler, Diets, Performance, Moringa