Effect of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets on Growth Response and Hematology of Broiler Chickens at Starter Phase

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted to determine the effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal diets on growth response and haematological parameters of broiler chicken. Five diets were formulated containing graded level of Moringa oieifera leaf meal (MOLM) at 0, 3, 6, 9 and 12% designated as T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5 respectively. A total of ninety (90) day old (Marshal Strain) were fed diets in completely randomized design and each treatment was replicated three times consisting of 6 birds per replicate. The feed intake by chicks was recorded daily and also birds were weighed on weekly basis to determine the weight gain. At the end of starter phase (4 weeks), blood samples were collected via wing veins and evaluated for haematology. The results of growth performance showed that there were significant differences (p< 0.05) in the final body weight (525.66 - 831.01g), daily weight gain (22.35 - 28.62 g) and daily feed intake (51.73 - 51.73g) There were significant differences (p< 0.05) in the feed conversion ratios and feed cost per kilogram gain by birds. The feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram gain were better for chicks fed diet containing 6% MOLM (1.90 and N171.56 respectively). The results of haematology revealed that there were significant differences (p<0.05) in packed cell volume (PCV) and haemoglobin (Hb). The values of PCV and Hb obtained were significantly (p< 0.05) highest in chicks fed T3 (28.35% and 9.34 g/dl respectively) compared to others. Based on the study, it was concluded that Moringa oleifera leaf meal can be included in the diet of broiler chicks up to 6% without any deleterious effect on performance and haematological parameters.