Scientific research has demonstrated that including Moringa oleifera in chicken diets could improve their growth and productivity. Although all parts of the plant are used for nutritional objectives, the positive results on broilers could be due to the beneficial effects of this plant in terms of phytochemicals, minerals, and vitamins contained in the leaves.
It has been reported that Moringa leaves are rich in nutrients such as iron, protein, carotenoids, and ascorbic acids. Therefore, its use on animal feed leads to better feed intake and profitability.
Alternatively, Moringa oleifera leaves could substitute traditional harvests for more effective, economic, eco-friendly, and safe production
Among the positive effects of Moringa oleifera leaves on poultry diets it can be highlighted:
- Antimicrobial, anticoccidial, and antioxidant effects
- Immune modulating effects
- Reduces cholesterol levels in eggs
- Better yolk color
- Produces healthy enterocytes
- Enhances growth performance and carcass traits
A study in broilers demonstrated that Moringa oleifera could “replace soybean at 25% of the total diet without negatively affecting growth performance, feed intake, and feed conversion”.
In another research, broilers supplemented with 5% of M. oleifera leaf meal during 7 weeks ate more feed, gaining more weight, and converted feed more efficiently.
On laying hens, 10% of M. oleifera leaf meal has been recommended as a long-term feed additive, demonstrating a better yolk color without negatively impacting the egg production rate.
Despite all these benefits, M. oleifera has some adverse effects, especially in mineral and protein metabolism, because of the antinutritional factors such as trypsin inhibitors, phytates, tannins, oxalates, cyanide, and saponins.
In conclusion, “Leaf meal has been associated with significant economic benefits, no adverse side effects, and
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