Evaluating the Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Leaf Supplemented Feed on the Growth and Carcass Quality of Broilers in Calabar

Abstract

Background: Rapid population growth of human and livestock create increasing demands for food, nutrition security in developing countries and therefore alternative feed resources must be identified and evaluated. This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on supplemented feed on the growth and carcass quality of broilers in Calabar.
 Methodology: Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were bought and collected from Calabar, Nigeria. The leaves were dried for four days and milled. A total of 40 broiler chicks that 48 day-olds, unsexed (rose 308) were sourced from a reputable poultry farm in Calabar. The broiler chicks were randomly allotted to four treatment groups (A, B, C and D). 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% of MOLM were incorporated into the broiler feed which constituted the four treatment groups. Each group was replicated ten times at 10 birds per replicate. The following parameters were taken including feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio, mortality rate and carcass quality. Data were subjected to statistical analysis.
 Results: The diet supplemented with 5% of MOLM showed significantly high body weight and followed by 10% of MOLM. Feed intake values were significantly (p<0.05) different across the treatment groups. The weight gain (WG) was statistically similar for group B and C but significantly (p<0.05) different in group D; with birds fed with 10% MOLM based diet having the highest WG. The feed conversion ratio of the birds were not significantly (p>0.05) different in group B and C, but differed significantly (P<0.05) in group D when compared with the control in group A. Carcass characteristics showed higher values of dressing percentage in birds fed supplemented with 10% MOLM (group C). The levels of MOLM were not significantly different in terms of liver weight, heart weight, kidney weight and abdominal fat.
 Conclusion: Overall, the best significant improvement in the response indices were obtained in birds fed 10% MOLM, while there was a reduced performance of birds feed with 15% MOLM.

Male Layer Chicken’s Response to Dietary Moringa oleifera Meal in a Tropical Climate

“…Similar to growth performance, the literature differs regarding the effects of dietary supplementation of Moringa on chicken carcass traits [ 51 , 52 , 53 ]. In our study, carcass weight and carcass yield were not significantly influenced by the treatments, a result that agrees with some authors [ 40 , 54 , 55 , 56 ] but contrasts with the findings of others [ 36 , 46 ]. Discrepancies between studies could be attributed to the different biological materials and diets used in each experiment, as well as the climate and environment where the trials took place, which in turn may affect both the animal performance and the Moringa composition.…”

Moringa (M. oleifera) Leaf Meal in Diets for Broilers and Laying Hens: A Review

“…There was significant increase in dressing%, liver, spleen heart and intestinal weights by addition of 1.25, 2.4 and 3.75% M. oleifera leaf meal to broiler diets (Baloch et al, 2021). Also, Edu et al (2019) showed higher values of dressing percentage in birds fed diets with 10% M. oleifera leaf meal. Sebola and Mokoboki (2019) studied the supplementation of M. oleifera on three chicken strains and found that higher inclusion levels of Moringa leaf meal (10%) resulted in longer small intestines and heavier gizzards.…”

“…Tannins have the ability to form complex bonds with metal ions and macromolecules (protein and polysaccharides), ultimately leading to decreased nutrient bioavailability (Igwilo et al, 2010). High concentration of tannins and phytate have been seen to affect negatively the digestibility and metabolism and therefore reduced the utilization rate of dietary nutrients and can negatively influence the growth rate from one side and other side can lead to deteriorate effect on red blood cells and haemoglobin in broiler and non-ruminants as reported by (Okai et al, 1984;Esonu, 2001;Akubugwo et al, 2007;Igwilo et al, 2010;Edu et al, 2019). In addition, phytate has a strong binding affinity for calcium, magnesium, iron, copper and zinc, preventing their absorption in the gut and can negatively influence the development of skeletal and red blood cells (Falowo et al, 2018;Emiola et al, 2003;Odetola et al, 2012).…”