ECONOMIC BENEFITS OF DIETS CONTAINING VARYING LEVELS OF MORINGA (MORINGA OLEIFERA) LEAF MEAL FED TO BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

The study was conducted at the Teaching and Research Farm, Adamawa State University to evaluate the cost benefits of feeding broiler chickens with diets containing varying levels of Moringa leaf meal (MLM). A total of 150-day-old unsexed OLAM Cobb 500 broiler chicks were purchased from Olam Feeds and Hatchery in Kaduna, Kaduna State, Nigeria. The experimental pen housing the birds was partitioned into 15 units that accommodated 10 birds per unit, and these served as the replicates. The profitability of feeding the broiler chickens with the experimental rations was assessed using a cost-benefit analysis. Inputs and product costs were calculated based on the cost of goods at the current market prices in 2024 (April–June). The value of gain was determined to examine the returns of broiler chickens fed with MLM based rations. Data on cost/kg feed, total cost of feeding, feed cost/kg gain, and cost savings were determined. The results showed a lower value of cost/kg feed and total cost of feed in the group of birds that received 0.5MLM (₦1294.36) and 1MLM (₦2352.01), respectively. The feed cost/kg gain and cost saving were observed to be better in the group of birds receiving 1.5MLM (₦3178.70 and ₦554.91, respectively) compared to the other treatment groups. From the study, it was concluded that feeding Moringa leaf meal at 1.5 g/kg in the diets of broiler chickens can cause a reduction in feed cost and is therefore recommended.