Performance of West African Dwarf Goats fed diets with Graded Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder under Experimental Haemonchus contortus Infection
Abstract
This study evaluated the performance response of West African Dwarf (WAD) goats to graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder under experimental Haemonchus contortus infection. Thirty-two apparently healthy WAD goats aged 6-8 months and averaging 7.2±3.6-9.6±0.40kg body weight were randomly divided into four treatment groups of eight goats each. The control group (T1) received a basal diet without Moringa inclusion, while T2, T3, and T4 received basal diet mixed with 100g, 200g, and 300g of Moringa oleifera leaf powder per goat per day, respectively. The feeding trial lasted for eight (8) weeks and the goats were infected with Haemonchus contortus larvae (L3). Parameters assessed included feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, nutrient digestibility, and mortality. Results revealed that goats supplemented with 100-200g MOLP exhibited significantly (p<0.05) higher feed intake, body weight gain, and improved feed conversion ratio compared to the control. Digestibility coefficients for crude protein, fibre, and nitrogen-free extract were also higher in the Moringa fed groups. Mortality rate was lowest in the treated goats (0-12.5%) compared to 37.5% in the control. These findings suggest that M. oleifera leaf powder enhances performance and resilience against helminth infection in WAD goats and the study recommends dietary inclusion levels of 100-200g per goat per day for optimal productivity and health under tropical management systems.
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References
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