Production Performance and Visceral Organ Weights in Broiler (Gallus domesticus) Fed Commercial Ration Supplemented with Different Levels of Fresh Moringa (Moringa oleifera Lam.)

Abstract

The study was undertaken to examine the influence of feeding commercial ration supplemented with different levels of fresh Moringa (0, 5, 10 and 15%) on growth performance and effects on organ weights of broiler chickens. The presence of xanthophyll and carotenoid pigments in Moringa caused yellowing around the shanks and breast region of broilers but this was not detrimental to birds. The initial weights of birds distributed to the different treatments were similar (P>0.05) indicating homogeneity in the distribution of samples to treatments. On growth parameters, total feed intake was significantly depressed in birds feed commercial ration supplemented with 15% (P<0.05) fresh Moringa. However, other growth parameters like average daily weight gain, weight gain, final weight and feed conversion ratio were comparable (P>0.05) in birds fed commercial diet alone and with birds supplemented with different levels of fresh Moringa. The lack of depressive effects of Moringa in birds growth parameter, except total feed intake, may suggest high degradation of Moringa in broilers intestinal tract. Moreover, though total feed intake is depressed, it has no preponderant effect on other growth parameters measured. The gross income and return above feed cost were comparable (P>0.05) but total feed cost was significantly reduced (P<0.05) in birds supplemented with 15% Moringa. This may suggest that Moringa supplementation may be cost effective to replace a portion of a commercial diet. Further, live weight, dress weight and organ weight were similar (P>0.05) but dressing percentage was significantly lowered (P<0.05) in birds supplemented different levels of Moringa. In some way, the decrease in the dressing percentage may also be related to the increase in bulkiness and metabolizable concentration brought about by feeding broilers some non-conventional feedstuff. It can be concluded that Moringa supplemented in commercial diet fed to broilers was well tolerated at the inclusion rate of 5-10 without deterrent effects in growth, organ weights, and economic parameters.