PERFORMANCE, NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY AND CARCASS QUALITY OF BROILER CHICKENS FED MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAF MEAL
Tijani L A., Akanji A.M., Agbalaya K. and Onigemo M.
Date : 2016-05-20 Volume : 8

The study was carried out to determine the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the performance, nutrient digestibility and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens. Fresh leaves of Moringa oleifera were harvested and sundried for four days and milled. Two hundred broilers chickens (Anak strain) were randomly allotted to five treatment groups. Each group was replicated four times at 10 birds per replicate. MOLM was incorporated into the broiler starter and finisher diets at 0% , 5%, 10% 15% and 20% levels respectively. Feed intake values at the starter phase were significantly (P<0.05) different across the groups of birds, but similar (P>0.05) at the finisher phase. The weight gain (WG) was statistically similar (P>0.05) at the starter phase but significantly (P<0.05) different at the finisher phase, with birds fed with 15% MOLM based diet having the highest WG. The feed conversion ratio of the birds were similar (P>0.05) at the starter phase, but differed (P<0.05) at the finisher phase. Protein efficiency ratio (PER) was higher (P<0.05) in birds fed the control diet and 15% MOLM.. Higher (P<0.05) crude protein digestibility was obtained in birds fed control diet and 15% MOLM. Carcass characteristics showed higher significant (P<0.05) values of dressing percentage in birds fed control diet and 15% MOLM. Lower values of breast, wings, and abdominal fat were obtained in birds fed with 10% and 20%% MOLM. Overall, the best significant improvement in the response indices were obtained in birds fed 15% MOLM. 1460921348.php