EFFECT OF USING (Moringa oleifera) SEED MEAL ON PERFORMANCE OF GROWING QUAIL BIRDS

Abstract

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of feeding quail chicks on diets containing different levels of Moringa oleifera Seed meal (MOSM) on growth performance, carcass quality and blood constituents. A total of 180 seven days, unsexed quail chicks were randomly divided into four experimental groups. Each group was further subdivided into 3 replicates, 15 chicks per each. Four levels of MOSM (0.0, 0.2, 0.4 and 0.6%) were fed during the experimental period for 6 weeks duration. The results showed that, birds fed on 0.2 % MOSM gained significantly higher body weight and body weight gain than birds fed the control diet. The lowest feed consumption (P≤0.01), best feed conversion ratio were obtained by using 0.4% MOSM compared to control group and other treatments MOSM. Dressing, liver, heart, gizzard and giblets significantly increased by feeding quail birds on levels 0.2, and 0.4% MOSM respectively compared to the control group and those fed 0.6% MOSM. Group fed diet supplemented with 0.2% MOSM significantly (P≤0.05) had the higher total edible parts compared with control group and other treatment groups. Birds fed diet without any MOSM insignificantly had higher total protein, albumin and A/G ratio compared to those fed diet supplemented with 0.2, 0.4 MOSM treatment. Birds fed diet Supplemented with 0.6% MOSM lead to significant increasing in the blood glucose as compared to control and other treatments. Blood cholesterol, ALT and AST had lower level in all treatments compared to control group. Inclusion, the present results showed that the use of MOSM at levels of 0.2 or 0.4% improved quail performance and economic efficiency.