Performance and Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal Diets
Keywords:
Keywords: Moringa, leaf-meal; broiler chickens; performance; biochemical; haematological
Abstract
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the growth performance and blood characteristics of broiler chickens. 180 day-old Arbor acre chickens used in this experiment were subjected to five dietary treatments as follows; Diet 1-the control devoid of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (0%MOLM), diets 2, 3, 4, and 5 with –MOLM at graded inclusion levels of 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% level respectively in a Completely Randomized Design. Each treatment was replicated thrice with 12 birds per replicate. The experiment lasted 56 days. The results indicated that daily weight gain, daily feed intake, and feed conversion ratio were significantly (p <0.05) affected by the inclusion levels of MOLM. Birds fed a diet containing 2.5% MOLM showed the highest values for these parameters: Daily weight gain (66.05 g), daily feed intake (118.45 g), and feed conversion ratio (1.73). There was better performance up to 2.5% MOLM but the performance declined significantly at a higher inclusion level. There was an improvement in the haematological ((PCV, RBC, HB) parameters up to 10% MOLM inclusion. The AST and ALP increased significantly with the increased level of MOLM while the total protein, albumin, and glucose decreased. Nevertheless, there were no influence (P > 0.05) on the protein and albumin values. It can be concluded from the findings of this research that MOLM can replace soya bean meal in broiler chick diets up to 10% without deleterious effect on the growth performance and blood profile.
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References
References
Animashahun, R. A., Akinleye, B. D., Joseph, O. J. and Aderibigbe, A. F. (2022). Performance and blood profile of Noiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of Parkia biglobosa leaf meal. Food Research, 6(5):256–265.
Arzour-Lakehal, N., and Boudebza, A. (2021). Biochemical reference intervals in broiler chickens according to age and strain. Agricultural Science and Technology, 13(4), 357–364.
Ash A.J and Petaia L.A (1992), Nutritional value of Sebania grandiflora leaves for ruminant and monogastrics. Journal of Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad) 69:223-228.
Attia, Y.A., Hamed, R.S., Abd El-Hamid, A.E., Shahba, H.A. and Bovera, F. (2015). Effect of inulin on rabbits. Animal Production Science, 55(1):80–86.N13286
Auta, Y. I., Muhammad, A. S., Sani, I., and Jama’a, N. A. (2024). Haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed dietary levels of sweet potato peel meal. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 4(3):41–?. https://www.njaat.atbu.edu.ng
Basit, M.A., Kadir, A.A., Loh, T.C., Aziz, S.A., Salleh, A., Kaka, U. and Idris, S.B. (2020). Effects of inclusion of different doses of Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) in broiler chicken feed on biochemical and haematological blood indicators and liver histomorphological changes. Animals, 10 (7):1–18.
Bounous, D. and Stedman, N. (2000). Normal avian hematology: chicken and turkey. In Feldman, B.F., Zinkl, J.G., Jain, N.C. and Schlam, O.W. (Eds.) Schalm’s veterinary hematology. 5th ed. pp 1147-1154 Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Willaims and Wilkins.
Esonu, B.O., Emelanon, A.B.I., Udedibie, I.C., Okoli, U., Herbert, F.C., Iheukwumere and C.F. Ekpor (2001). Performance and blood chemistry of weaner pigs fed raw Mucuna bean (velvet bean). Proceedings of the 6th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), 17th-19th September, 2001, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, pp: 86-88.
Ige A.O, Odunsi A.A, Akinlade J.A, Ojedapo L.O, Ameen S.A, Aderinola O.A and Rafiu T.A (2006), Gliricidia Leaf Meal in Layer’s Diet: Effect on Performance Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Production. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 5(6):483 – 486.
Ihezuo, J.P, Ahaotu, E.O and Uwalaka, R.E (2013). Replacement of Rice and Maize Stalks with Tephrosia spp and Moringa oleifera cakes in the diet of Small Ruminants raised under humid tropics. Inter J Appl Sci Engr 1(2):66-68.
INRA. (2004). Tables of composition and nutritional value of feed materials. In D. Sauvant, J. Perez, G. Tran (Eds.), Tables of composition and nutritional value of feed materials (2nd revised). Wageningen Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686 668-677
Islam, M.R.S., Lucky, N.S., Islam, M.R.S., Ahad, A., Das, B.R., Rahman, M.M. and Siddiui, M.S.I. (2004). Haematological parameters of Fayoumi, assil and local chickens reared in sylhet region of Bangladesh.
Iyayi, E.A. and Taiwo V.O. (2003). The effects of diets incorporating Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the performance of laying hens and broilers. Tropical and Subtropical Agro ecosystem, 1:239-246.
Jain, N. C. (1986). Schalms Veterinary Haematology. 4th edition. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, U. S. A.
Kakengi A.M.V, Shem M.N, Sarwatt S.V and Fujihara T (2003), Can Moringa oleifera be used as a protein supplement to ruminants? Asian- Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 18(1) 42-47.
Kokore, B. A., Bleyere, N. M., Kamagate, S., and Yapo, P. A. (2021). Blood biochemical parameters exploration in broilers and local chickens in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 9(2), 82–86. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfn-9-2-4
Meluzzi, A., Primiceri, G., Giordani, R. and Fabris, G. (1992). Determination of blood constituents reference values in broilers. Poultry Science, 71(2), 337-345. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0710337
Nkukwana, T.T., Muchenje, V., Pieterse, E., Masika, P.J., Mabusela, T.P., Hoffman, L.C, and Dzama, K. (2014). Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, apparent digestibility, digestive organ size and carcass yield in broiler chickens. Livestock Science 161, 139– 146.
NRC. (1994). Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. In National Academy Press (Ed.), Poultry Science (Ninth Revi). https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0740224
Odetola, O.M., Adetola, O.O., Ijadunola, T.I., Adedeji, O.Y. and Adu, O.A. (2012). Utilization of Moringa (Moringa oleifera ) leaf meal as a replacement for soya bean meal in rabbit’s diets. Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science, 2(12), 309–313.
Okeudo, N.J., Okoli, I.C. and Igwe, G.O.F. (2003). Hematological Characteristics of Ducks (Cairina moschata) of Southeastern Nigeria. Tropicultura, 21 (2), 61-65
Olugbemi, TS., Mutayoba, SK. and Lekule, FP. 2010. Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) inclusion in cassava based diets fed to broiler chickens. Inter. J. Poultry Sci. 9(4): 363 367
Omekam V.N (1994), Studies on nutrition and health implication of dietary inclusion of dried poultry waste for broiler. MSc Thesis, Federal University of Technology; Owerri, Nigeria 41.
Onu, P.N. (2010). Evaluation of two herbal spices as feed additives for finisher broilers. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry, 26(5–6), 383–392.
Onyemonyi, A.E., Adeyemi, O. and Okeke, G.C. (2009). Performance and economic characteristic of broiler fed varying levels of Neem leaf meal (Azardiratchtaindica). International Journal of Poultry Science 8:256-259.
SAS, (2003). Statistical Analysis Systems Users Guide, version 9.0 edition SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC.USA.
Uche Nfa Egu (2019): Effect of graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine 4(1):1-8
Animashahun, R. A., Akinleye, B. D., Joseph, O. J. and Aderibigbe, A. F. (2022). Performance and blood profile of Noiler chickens fed diets containing graded levels of Parkia biglobosa leaf meal. Food Research, 6(5):256–265.
Arzour-Lakehal, N., and Boudebza, A. (2021). Biochemical reference intervals in broiler chickens according to age and strain. Agricultural Science and Technology, 13(4), 357–364.
Ash A.J and Petaia L.A (1992), Nutritional value of Sebania grandiflora leaves for ruminant and monogastrics. Journal of Tropical Agriculture (Trinidad) 69:223-228.
Attia, Y.A., Hamed, R.S., Abd El-Hamid, A.E., Shahba, H.A. and Bovera, F. (2015). Effect of inulin on rabbits. Animal Production Science, 55(1):80–86.N13286
Auta, Y. I., Muhammad, A. S., Sani, I., and Jama’a, N. A. (2024). Haematological and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed dietary levels of sweet potato peel meal. Nigerian Journal of Agriculture and Agricultural Technology, 4(3):41–?. https://www.njaat.atbu.edu.ng
Basit, M.A., Kadir, A.A., Loh, T.C., Aziz, S.A., Salleh, A., Kaka, U. and Idris, S.B. (2020). Effects of inclusion of different doses of Persicaria odorata leaf meal (POLM) in broiler chicken feed on biochemical and haematological blood indicators and liver histomorphological changes. Animals, 10 (7):1–18.
Bounous, D. and Stedman, N. (2000). Normal avian hematology: chicken and turkey. In Feldman, B.F., Zinkl, J.G., Jain, N.C. and Schlam, O.W. (Eds.) Schalm’s veterinary hematology. 5th ed. pp 1147-1154 Philadelphia, USA: Lippincott Willaims and Wilkins.
Esonu, B.O., Emelanon, A.B.I., Udedibie, I.C., Okoli, U., Herbert, F.C., Iheukwumere and C.F. Ekpor (2001). Performance and blood chemistry of weaner pigs fed raw Mucuna bean (velvet bean). Proceedings of the 6th Annual Conference of Animal Science Association of Nigeria (ASAN), 17th-19th September, 2001, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria, pp: 86-88.
Ige A.O, Odunsi A.A, Akinlade J.A, Ojedapo L.O, Ameen S.A, Aderinola O.A and Rafiu T.A (2006), Gliricidia Leaf Meal in Layer’s Diet: Effect on Performance Nutrient Digestibility and Economy of Production. Journal of Animal and Veterinary Advances 5(6):483 – 486.
Ihezuo, J.P, Ahaotu, E.O and Uwalaka, R.E (2013). Replacement of Rice and Maize Stalks with Tephrosia spp and Moringa oleifera cakes in the diet of Small Ruminants raised under humid tropics. Inter J Appl Sci Engr 1(2):66-68.
INRA. (2004). Tables of composition and nutritional value of feed materials. In D. Sauvant, J. Perez, G. Tran (Eds.), Tables of composition and nutritional value of feed materials (2nd revised). Wageningen Academic Publishers. https://doi.org/10.3920/978-90-8686 668-677
Islam, M.R.S., Lucky, N.S., Islam, M.R.S., Ahad, A., Das, B.R., Rahman, M.M. and Siddiui, M.S.I. (2004). Haematological parameters of Fayoumi, assil and local chickens reared in sylhet region of Bangladesh.
Iyayi, E.A. and Taiwo V.O. (2003). The effects of diets incorporating Mucuna pruriens seed meal on the performance of laying hens and broilers. Tropical and Subtropical Agro ecosystem, 1:239-246.
Jain, N. C. (1986). Schalms Veterinary Haematology. 4th edition. Lea and Febiger, Philadelphia, U. S. A.
Kakengi A.M.V, Shem M.N, Sarwatt S.V and Fujihara T (2003), Can Moringa oleifera be used as a protein supplement to ruminants? Asian- Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences 18(1) 42-47.
Kokore, B. A., Bleyere, N. M., Kamagate, S., and Yapo, P. A. (2021). Blood biochemical parameters exploration in broilers and local chickens in Korhogo, Côte d’Ivoire. American Journal of Food and Nutrition, 9(2), 82–86. https://doi.org/10.12691/ajfn-9-2-4
Meluzzi, A., Primiceri, G., Giordani, R. and Fabris, G. (1992). Determination of blood constituents reference values in broilers. Poultry Science, 71(2), 337-345. https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0710337
Nkukwana, T.T., Muchenje, V., Pieterse, E., Masika, P.J., Mabusela, T.P., Hoffman, L.C, and Dzama, K. (2014). Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance, apparent digestibility, digestive organ size and carcass yield in broiler chickens. Livestock Science 161, 139– 146.
NRC. (1994). Nutrient Requirements of Poultry. In National Academy Press (Ed.), Poultry Science (Ninth Revi). https://doi.org/10.3382/ps.0740224
Odetola, O.M., Adetola, O.O., Ijadunola, T.I., Adedeji, O.Y. and Adu, O.A. (2012). Utilization of Moringa (Moringa oleifera ) leaf meal as a replacement for soya bean meal in rabbit’s diets. Scholarly Journal of Agricultural Science, 2(12), 309–313.
Okeudo, N.J., Okoli, I.C. and Igwe, G.O.F. (2003). Hematological Characteristics of Ducks (Cairina moschata) of Southeastern Nigeria. Tropicultura, 21 (2), 61-65
Olugbemi, TS., Mutayoba, SK. and Lekule, FP. 2010. Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) inclusion in cassava based diets fed to broiler chickens. Inter. J. Poultry Sci. 9(4): 363 367
Omekam V.N (1994), Studies on nutrition and health implication of dietary inclusion of dried poultry waste for broiler. MSc Thesis, Federal University of Technology; Owerri, Nigeria 41.
Onu, P.N. (2010). Evaluation of two herbal spices as feed additives for finisher broilers. Biotechnology in Animal Husbandry, 26(5–6), 383–392.
Onyemonyi, A.E., Adeyemi, O. and Okeke, G.C. (2009). Performance and economic characteristic of broiler fed varying levels of Neem leaf meal (Azardiratchtaindica). International Journal of Poultry Science 8:256-259.
SAS, (2003). Statistical Analysis Systems Users Guide, version 9.0 edition SAS Institute Inc., Cary, NC.USA.
Uche Nfa Egu (2019): Effect of graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on performance and serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine 4(1):1-8
Published
2026-01-28
How to Cite
1*Aremu, J.O., 2Annongu, A.A., 1Apata, D.F., 3Abdulraheem, A.O., 1Adesina, O.M., 4Ambali, A. L., 1Ishola, H ., 2Imam, R.O., & 2Oganija, K.Y. (2026). Performance and Blood Characteristics of Broiler Chickens Fed Graded Levels of Moringa Oleifera Leaf Meal Diets. Nigerian Journal of Animal Science and Technology (NJAST), 8(4), 133- 140. Retrieved from https://njast.com.ng/index.php/home/article/view/532
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