Growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broilers fed Moringa oleifera leaf meal

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, cost benefit analysis, haematology and serum biochemistry of finisher broiler chickens. One hundred and forty four (144) day-old were randomly allotted to 4 dietary treatments group of 3 birds per group each after 3 weeks brooding. Each replicate had 12 birds. The birds in T1 (control) group were offered a basal diet only; the T2 were given basal diet with 300g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T3 were given basal diet with 500g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed; T4 were given basal diet with 700g of Moringa oleifera leaf meal in 100kg of feed. The experiment lasted till the birds were 56 days of age. Significant differences were observed in the feed intake of the birds and body weight gain. The hematological parameters measured differ significantly. Alanine transaminase (ALT) differed among the dietary treatments. Significant differences were observed in the other serum biochemical indices measured. Cost incurred per kilogram weight gain was higher for birds on Moringa diets than birds on the control diet. The results of this study indicate that Moringa oleifera leaf meal significantly (P<0.05) enhanced growth performance - weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio, in the treated birds compared to the control group with the best result at level 700 g inclusion. Feeding the birds with Moringa oleifera leaf meal brought about changes in the serum biochemical parameters but without any deleterious effect on them and should be considered as a good source of protein in livestock nutrition.