Chemical Composition and Fatty Acid Profiles of organic Moringa oleifera: Effects on Modulation of Blood and Plasma Parameters of Ewes in Subtropics

Abstract

Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) has received recent attention as supplement for human nutrition and animal feed. Organic M. oleifera leaves were analyzed for chemical composition, sugar and fatty acid profiles and undetected pesticides residues and its effect on modulation of blood and plasma parameters of ewes in subtropics. Twenty seven Naimi ewes, 51.3 ± 2.70 kg body weight and aged 2.5 - 3.0 years, were randomly allocated to three equal groups (nine/ group) as control and M. oleifera groups (25 & 50.0 g daily). Blood samples were collected and were subjected to analysis through hematology and plasma biochemistry analyzers. The hematological parameters include red and white blood cells (RBCs & WBCs), hematocrit (Ht) and hemoglobin (Hb) values. The plasma biochemistry parameters include plasma glucose, proteins, liver and kidney functions and minerals values. The results indicated that organic M. oleifera leaves contain protein (28.28%), carbohydrate (47.82%), fat (7.57) and fiber (28.35%). In addition, fatty acid profiles were saturated fatty acids (3.76%), unsaturated fatty acids (3.79), monounsaturated fatty acids (2.39%), polyunsaturated fatty acids (0.76%) and trans fatty acids (0.64%). Upon supplementation to ewes, M. oleifera leaves caused significant changes in hematological (RBCs, WBCs, Ht and Hb) and plasma biochemistry (total protein, albumin, urea, liver enzymes) parameters. It could be concluded that organic M. oleifera leaves contain compounds might be helpful in modulating blood and plasma parameters if supplemented to ewes in subtropics