Lactation performance and blood metabolites in lactating dairy cows micro-supplemented with <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf meal

Abstract

This study examined the effects of micro-supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on lactation performance and blood metabolites of lactating dairy cows. Thirty Jersey cows (± 40 days in milk (DIM)) were supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal (M) at 0 (M0), 30 (M30) and 60 g/cow/day. The experiment lasted until 90 DIM with 14 days adaptation. Milk yield was recorded daily and samples were collected once weekly to determine milk composition and total antioxidant capacity (MTAC). Blood samples were collected on days 54, 68 and 90 in milk to determine serum total protein (TSP), albumin (Alb), immunoglobulin G (IgG) and serum total antioxidant capacity (STAC). Body weight (BW) and milk yield were not affected (P >0.05) by Moringa supplementation. Moringa supplementation at M60 increased (P <0.05) milk fat and MTAC with a significant reduction in somatic cell count (SCC). Increased (P <0.05) total serum protein (TSP) and IgG with reduced (P <0.05) non-esterified fatty acids (NEFA) levels were observed in M60. Increased (P <0.05) STAC levels were noted in all groups supplemented with Moringa. Microsupplementation with Moringa oleifera at 60 g/cow/day markedly reduced oxidative stress, which resulted in improved milk quality and immunity in lactating Jersey cows.

Effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on nutrient digestibility, rumen fermentation, ruminal enzyme activities and growth performance of buffalo calves

“…All estimated values of blood parameters in this study were within the normal reference ranges ( Boyd, 2011 ). The significant increase in serum glucose accompanied by a significant decrease in serum cholesterol was consistent with other studies ( Kholif et al, 2016 , Kholif et al, 2018 , Kekana et al, 2019 ). Dietary inclusion of M. oleifera significantly decreased the concentrations of serum triglycerides and cholesterol but increased (p < 0.05) the concertation of serum glucose in lactating goats ( Kholif et al, 2016 ) and lactating dairy cows ( Zeng et al, 2018 ).…”

Moringa oleifera Supplementation Improves Antioxidant Status and Biochemical Indices by Attenuating Early Pregnancy Stress in Beetal Goats

“…The provision of MOLP met the energy requirements more efficiently in early pregnancy by improving the plasma sugar contents. Our findings were in line with the results of a previous study on Jersey cows (63). In addition, MOLP supplementation also improved the bioavailability of carotenoids and lycopene to ameliorate metabolic and hematological perturbations by reducing LPO and inflammatory cytokines (64).…”

Effect of Feeding Lactating Ewes with Moringa oleifera Leaf Extract on Milk Yield, Milk Composition and Preweaning Performance of Ewe/Lamb Pair

“…Also, a study carried out by Adegun and Aye [ 41 ] in West African Dwarf Rams sheep reported that supplementation of Pannicum maximum with MO meal had no effect on the IBW, FBW and BWC, but DMI decreased as MO supplementation levels increased. On the other hand, Kekana et al [ 14 ] microsupplemented Jersey cows with 0, 30 and 60 g of MO meal per animal per day and did not observe differences in DMI and BWC. In the present study, the animals’ basal diets allowed them to meet their nutritional requirements, which was reflected in a positive performance throughout the experiment.…”

“…The authors concluded that dietary inclusion of MO in Najdi ewes improved milk yield and milk quality. On the other hand, [ 14 ] supplemented Jersey cows with 30 and 60 g of MO meal per animal per day exhibited no differences in DMY, protein or lactose, but fat increased at a dose of 60 g d −1 compared to the control group.…”

“…Recently, interest focused on Moringa oleifera (MO), a highly versatile and sustainable tree mostly cultivated in the tropics and subtropics [ 12 ]. MO is very useful as a feed supplement for animals [ 10 , 13 , 14 ] and is an important source of protein (up to 35% of dry matter, DM) and fibre (up to 28% DM) [ 15 , 16 , 17 ]. In addition to its nutritional properties, MO leaves are sources of bioactive compounds, such as antioxidants, vitamins, phenolic acids and flavonoids, and are available at relatively low cost in resource-limited areas, making it a promising source of bioactive compounds for functional food production and nutraceutical product development [ 12 , 14 ].…”