Effect of Feeding Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal as Feed Additive on the Performance and Carcass Characteristics of Broiler Chicks

Abstract

The effect of feeding broiler chicks on diets containing different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on productive performance and carcass quality was studied. A total of one-hundred and sixty one-day old, unsexed (Ross) broiler chicks were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Each group was further subdivided into five replicates at the rate of eight chicks per pen in complete randomized design. Four levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (0.0, 3, 5 and 7%) were fed during the experimental period for 7-weeks duration. Health of the stock and performance parameters were recorded. At the end of the experiment, the birds were slaughter, dressing and used for different parameters. The results showed that, treatment effect on average final body weight, body weight gain, total feed intake, feed conversion ratio were significant (P<0.05). Birds fed on MOLM gained significantly (P<0.05) higher weight and superior feed conversion ratio than birds fed the control diet. However, birds fed on (5% MOLM) diet showed heaviest body weight, highest total feed intake with the best feed conversion ration. Inclusion of MOLM in broiler diets significantly (P<0.05) improved hot and cold eviscerated carcass weight, dressing percentage, breast and drumstick percentages and tenderness and juiciness scores for both breast and thigh meat.