MORINGA: A POTENTIAL SUBSTITUTE TO ANTIBIOTICS AND DIETARY SUPPLEMENT IN BROILER PRODUCTION- A REVIEW

Abstract

Moringa oleifera, a small size tree, which can grow to a height of 5 to 10 m. It survives in different climate of the world. It can grow under harsh climatic conditions without being much affected by drought. It tolerates different ranges of rainfall estimated at minimum 250 mm and maximum at over 3000 mm. It thrives on soil pH of 5.0 to 9.0. The trunk is soft with white corky and its branches has a gummy bark. It possesses tripinnate compound leaf with several small leaf legs. The flowers are white in colour and the three wings seeds are scattered by the winds. It is cultivated for its multiple utilities. Every part of Moringa is used for certain nutritional and/or medicinal propose. It is a good source of protein, vitamins, oils, fatty acids, micro and macro minerals elements as well as various phenolics, it was also reported to have anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant, and antihelmintic usefulness. Research on this precious herb may lead to the development of novel agents for various diseases to substitute the current antibiotics which are fast becoming ineffective. This review provides a brief overview about medicinal and Nutritional potentials of Moringa oleifera and its use as a component of modern medicine and broilers feed.