Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

March 2016

ScienceDirect

Vol. 23 No. 1 28-34

Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition)

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Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets Obakanurhe Oghenebrorhie, and Okpara Oghenesuvwe Department of Animal Science, Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University, Nigeria

Abstract: To investigate the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on the performance and haematology of broiler finisher using 120 Cobb chicks of 4 weeks old broiler chicks. The birds were assigned randomly into four dietary treatments containing MOLM at 0, 6%, 8%, and 10% (treatments 1, 2, 3 and 4) inclusion levels, respectively, in a complete randomized design experiment. The effect of the dietary treatments on the growth performance and blood parameters of the broiler finisher was determined. MOLM at a rate of 6% (T2), 8% (T3), and 10% (T4) of the diets (as fed basis) to replace 3.2%, 5.6% and 8.6% of the crude protein (CP) of the control diet. The daily feed, dry matter and CP intake of the chicks fed MOLM diets were higher (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet. Average weight gain (AWG) of birds fed MOLM diets reduced as inclusion levels increases (p<0.05) than those fed the control diet. Chicks fed T2 showed higher (p<0.05) AWG than those on T3 and T4. Feed conversion ratios (FCR, weight gain/g and feed intake) were higher for chicks fed MOLM. MOLM showed minimal deleterious effects in birds. However, birds fed T2 (6%) diets recorded significantly (p<0.05) the highest body weight gain. There were significant differences (p<0.05) among groups in packed cell volume (PVC) of birds. The haemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) counts showed no significant difference (p>0.05) among treatments. The results indicated that at 10% in the diets of broiler finisher chick, MOLM could be substituted with expensive conventional protein sources without any deleterious effects on performance and blood parameters of broiler finisher chicken. Key words: Moringa oleifera leaf meal, Cobb chick, nutrient intake, performance, conventional protein and haematology CLC number: S831

Document code: A

Article ID: 1006-8104(2016)-01-0028-07

of proteins for using as feed supplement to poultry.

Introduction

One possible source of cheap proteins to poultry is

Poultry production plays a vital role in the challenges

(Iheukwumere et al., 2008).

faced by developing countries for protein deficiency

　Leaf meals of various plants have been incorporated

where average daily intake is far below optimal

in the diets of poultry, as a means of reducing the high

recommended standards. However, in the tropics

cost of conventional protein sources (Iheukwumere

productivity of poultry has been limited by scarcity

et al., 2008). According to Fasuyi et al. (2005) leaf

and consequent hike in prices of the conventional

meals do not only serve as protein source, but also

protein and energy sources. Protein sources are

provide some necessary vitamins, minerals and

especially limiting factors in poultry feed production

oxycaretenoids which cause yellow colour of broiler

in the tropics (Atawodi et al., 2008). Hence, there is a

skin, shank and egg yolk.

need to search for locally available alternative sources

　Among various types of Moringa species, Moringa

Received 8 August 2015 Obakanurhe Oghenebrorhie. E-mail: [email protected] E-mail: [email protected]

the leaf meal of some tropical legumes and plants

Obakanurhe Oghenebrorhie et al. Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

·29·

oleifera (M. oleifera) is indigenous to Northern

the need for proper adjustment of certain nutrients

India and Pakistan (Bosh, 2004) and is introduced

upward or downward for different population groups.

throughout the tropics and sub-tropics becoming

The leafy part of Moringa could thus be used as a

naturalized in many African countries. This rapidly-

protein supplement for poultry. The present study

growing tree is utilized by the ancient Romans, Greeks

was thus designed to investigate the effects of feeding

and Egyptians.

different levels of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM)

　 Moringa is used as vegetable food for human

on nutrient intake, performance and haematological

consumption and animal feed resources during dry

parameters.

period (Abuye et al., 2003). The edible parts of the Moringa tree are exceptionally nutritious (Rams, 1994; Teketay, 2001). The leaves are good food source

Materials and Methods

in the tropics, because the tree is always full of the

Experimental site

leaves during the dry season when foods are scarce.

The study was carried out at Delta State University,

In addition, Oduro et al. (2008) reported that Moringa

Asaba Campus, Poultry Research Unit. The farm is on

oleifera leaves contained carbohydrates 43.88%,

Longitude 6°45/E and Latitude 6°12/N with average

crude protein 27.51%, crude fibre 19.25%, crude fat

monthly temperatures of the area varying between

2.23%, ash 7.13%, moisture 76.53%, and caloric value

27.5℃ and 30.9℃. High temperatures occur during the

-1

-1

1 296.00 kJ • g (305.62 cal • g ). Calcium and iron -1

months of November - April with average maximum

content in mg • 100 g (DM) were 20.09and 28.29,

temperatures occurring in February and March, while

respectively. Foidl and Paull (2008) reported that the

the lowest is experienced in July. Rainfall in the area

protein content of leaves was relatively high (20%-35%

is bimodal with an annual mean of 1 500-1 900 mm.

on a dry weight basis) and most important was that the protein was of high quality with significant

Preparation of experimental diets

quantities of all the essential amino acids. Murro et al.

Moringa leaves were harvested and air dried under

(2003) reported that the leaves were highly nutritious

room temperature until they were crispy to touch

containing significant quantities of vitamins A, B and

retaining their greenish colouration. The leaves were

C, Ca, Fe, P and proteins. The ingestion of MOLM

milled using a hammer mill of sieve size 3 mm, to

and its numerous dietary components had measurable

obtain MOLM and stored in sacs until its usage.

effects on blood characteristics (Animashahun et al., 2006; Bhatti et al., 2009). Although nutrient levels

Experimental design

reflecting on the blood and body fluids may not be

A total of 120 chicks were assigned to each of the

a valid indication of nutrient functions at cellular

four replicates of the four treatment diets. The dietary

level, they are considered to be proximate measures

treatments were the control diet (T1) without MOLM

of long-term nutritional status (Animashahun et al.,

and diets containing MOLM at the rate of 6% (T2), 8%

2006). Blood parameters are important in assessing the

(T3), and 10% (T4) to replace 3.2%, 5.6% and 8.4% of

qualities and suitabilities of feed ingredients in farm

CP of the control diet.

animals. Esonu et al. (2001) stated that haematological constituents reflected the physiological responsiveness

Management of experimental chicks

of the animal to its internal and external environments

120-day-old (Cobb breed) broiler chicks were

which included feed and feeding habits. Animashahun

allocated randomly into four treatments of three

et al. (2006) affirmed that the comparison of blood

replicates with 10 birds per replicate and weighed.

chemistry profile with nutrient intakes might indicate

Their initial weights on replicates basis were taken. http: //publish.neau.edu.cn

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Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition)

Vol. 23　No. 1　2016

The dietary treatments of broiler finisher were fed

CP) and energy (from 2 751.48 to 2 875.80 kcal • kg-1

to the treatment groups for (5-8) weeks. Feeds and

DM) contents. The fat content of T1 was slightly

clean water were provided adlibitum and all necessary

higher than those of other treatment diets because

vaccinations, such as Gumboro and Newcastle have

of higher amount of soybean in T1. This apparently

been administered according to schedule.

reflected on ME content of the diet.

Nutrient analysis

Table 1　Proximate compositions of Moringa oleifera

Dry matter (DM), crude fiber (CF) and ash were determined according to AOAC (1990). Dry matter

Parameter

Percentage (%)

content of feed was determined by drying the

Dry matter (DM)

92.53

samples at 105℃ overnight. Ash was determined

Crude protein (CP)

27.14

by combusting the sample at 550℃ for 5 h. Total

Ether extract (EE)

2.33

nitrogen was determined using the micro-Kjeldahl

Crude fibre (CF)

17.45

Ash

4.23

Nitrogen free extract (NFE)

41.38

method. Crude protein (CP) was calculated as N× 6.25. ME values were calculated indirectly from the ether extract, crude fiber and ash. All the samples were analyzed in duplicates at the Animal Science

Table 2　Proximate analysis composition of finisher diet

Laboratory of the Faculty of Agriculture, Delta State University. Statistical analysis Analysis of variance (ANOVA) for completely randomized design (CRD) was carried out using

Treatment Parameter

T1 0%

T2 6%

T3 8%

88.98

88.91

T4 10%

Dry matter (DM)

87.75

88.80

Crude protein (CP)

19.48

19.55

19.58

19.62

Crude fibre (CF)

9.25

10.45

10.58

10.65

GenStat (Release 4.24) statistical package (Genstat,

Ether extract (EE)

6.70

6.50

6.55

6.57

2005). Differences between means were separated by

Ash

7.77

7.43

7.28

7.30

44.65

44.72

44.76

the Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT). 　The experimental designed was a one-way classi-

Nitrogen free extract (NFE) ME/Kcal

44.55 2 949.5

2 940.13 2 949.20 2 952.35

fication in a CRD with the following model: 　Xij=µ+αi+eij

Nutrient intakes

　Where, Xij was the observed value of each response

Table 4 showed the nutrient intakes of chicks fed

variable (broiler performance characteristics, and

different levels of MOLM. Crude fibre, ether extracts

blood chemistry characteristics), µ was the overall

and crude protein intake were significantly (p<0.05)

population mean, α was the observed effect of the ith

higher in all the chicks fed MOLM diets than those on

dietary treatment, and eij was the random or residual

the control diet. When MOLM level increased from

error due to the experimentation.

6% (T2) to 10% (T4), DM intake slightly appreciated (Table 5). No significant differences were observed

Results

in DM intake of chicks, fed MOLM diets and the

Nutrient composition

significantly (p<0.05) higher than those of T2 and

The nutrient and energy contents of MOLM in the

T3 whereas it was higher in T3 than those of T2 and

experimental diets are presented in Table 3. The diets

T1. CP intake showed linear increase with increasing

were very close in their CP (from 20.05% to 20.17%

levels of MOLM supplementation.

E-mail: [email protected]

control. Within treatment groups, CP intake of T4 was

Obakanurhe Oghenebrorhie et al. Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

·31·

Table 3　Percentage composition of experimental finisher diets Treatment Feed ingriendent

T1 0%

T2 6%

T3 8%

T4 10%

MOLM

–

6.00

8.00

10.00

Maize

55.00

55.00

55.00

55.00

Soyabean meal

15.00

13.00

12.00

11.00

Groundnut cake

10.00

10.00

10.00

10.00

Wheat offal

10.20

6.20

5.20

4.20

Fish meal

4.00

4.00

4.00

4.00

Bone meal

3.50

3.50

3.50

3.50

Oyster shell

1.50

1.50

1.50

1.50

Salt

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.25

Premix

0.25

0.25

0.25

0.25

Methionine

0.15

0.15

0.15

0.15

Lysine Total

0.15

0.15

0.15

0.15

100.00

100.00

100.00

100.00

Cal C.P

20.05

20.17

20.11

20.06

ME/Kcal

2 751.48

2 830.60

2 853.24

2 875.80

Composition of vitamin/mineral premix per kg: vitamin E, 25 mg; vitamin A, 6 250 IU; vitamin D3, 1 250 IU; vitamin K3, 25 mg; vitamin B1, 25 mg; vitamin B2, 60 mg; vitamin B6, 40 mg; vitamin B12, 2 mg; elemental calcium, 25 mg; elemental phosphorus, 9 mg; elemental magnesium, 300 mg; iron, 400 mg; selenium 1.0 mg; iodine 20 mg; copper 60 mg; magnesium 100 mg; cobalt 10 mg; zink, 150 mg; sodium chloride, 1.5 mg; choline chloride, 500 mg; live lactobaccillus spore, 0.2 million cfu; niacin, 40 mg; folic acid, 10 mg; d-biotin, 5 mg.

Table 4　Performance characteristics of broilers fed finisher diets Treatment Parameter

T1 0%

T2 6%

T3 8%

T4 10%

SEM

SIG

IW/Bird (kg)

0.96

1.06

0.94

0.90

0.07

NS

FW/Bird (kg)

2.26

2.30

2.24

2.04

0.08

NS

WG/Bird (kg)

1.25

1.24

1.30

1.25

0.09

NS

Feed intake/Bird (kg)

3.23

3.50

3.39

3.38

0.07

NS

A/DWTG/Bird (kg)

0.05

0.05

0.05

0.04

0.00

NS

FCR

2.53

2.53

2.57

2.70

0.06

NS

Treatment means within the same row are significantly p>0.05 not different; SEM=Standard error of mean; NS=Not significant. IW=Initial weight, FW=Final weight, WG=Weight gain, A/DWTG=Average daily weight gain, FI=Feed intake, FCR=Feed conversion ratio.

and this decrease as the inclusion level of MOLM Body weight gain and conversion ratios

increases. However, T4 with 10% MOLM showed the

For the finisher phase, final body weight for T2 with

decrease in the final weight when compared with the

6% MOLM was the highest among dietary treatments

control diet and the test diets. The mean weight gain http: //publish.neau.edu.cn

·32·

Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition)

Vol. 23　No. 1　2016

did not follow the same pattern as in the final weight

level of MOLM. The feed intake of birds ranged from

in the finisher phase, as there where increase in the

3.527 kg • bird-1 for T1 to 3.376 kg • bird-1 in T4.

weight gain based on levels of the inclusion.

　The average daily weight gain (A/DWG) of birds

　Feed intake of birds were not significantly (p>0.05)

were not also affected (p>0.05) with MOLM inclu-

affected among treatment means. However, feed

sion levels. A/DWG of birds obtained ranged from

intake appeared to decrease with increased inclusion

0.41 kg • bird-1 in T1 to 0.36 kg in T4 in a decreasing order.

Table 5　Nutrient digestibility and retention Treatment Parameter

T1 0%

T3 8%

T4 10%

SEM

SIG

Dry matter (DM)

84.85

Crude fibre (CF)

84.33a

84.49

86.35

88.08

0.83

NS

82.17b

78.17c

77.67c

1.21

*

Crude protein (CP)

65.60b

71.50b

81.4a

86.63a

2.32

**

Ether extracts (EE)

79.17a

78.00b

76.00c

74.33d

0.49

**

T2 6%

* a, b, c, d: Treatment means with different superscripts within the same row are significantly p<0.05 different; SEM=Standard error of mean; NS=Not significant, **=Aighly significantly different, *=Significantly different.

volume (MCV), mean corpuscular haemoglobin Haematology of broilers fed experimental diets

(MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin

From the haematology (Table 6) above, the results

concentration (MCHC) showed no significant

obtained indicated that haemoglobin (Hb), white blood

differences among their means. Thus, only placked

cell (WBC), red blood cell (RBC), mean corpuscular

cell volume (PCV) showed significant difference.

Table 6　Haematology parameters of broilers fed experimental diets Treatment Parameter

T1 0%

T2 6%

T3 8%

SEM

SIG

Hb (g • dl-1)

6.63

6.67

6.60

7.00

0.17

NS

PCV (%)

29.00c

27.67d

RBC (×106 • µL-1)

3.13

3.16

32.67b

34.33a

1.63

**

3.27

3.34

0.04

NS

T4 10%

WBC (×103 • µL-1)

30.03

30.14

30.17

30.20

0.01

NS

MCV (fl)

92.70

87.50

99.90

102.70

5.10

NS

MCH (pg)

21.17

21.08

20.19

20.74

0.35

NS

MCHC (g • dL-1)

22.87

24.35

20.35

19.86

1.42

NS

a,b,c,d: Treatment means with different superscripts within the same row are significantly p<0.05 different; SEM=Standard error of mean; NS=Not significant, **=Highly significantly different, *=Significantly different. Hb=Haemoglobin, PCV=Placked cell volume, RBC=Red blood cell, MCV=Mean corpuscular volume, MCH=Mean corpuscular haemoglobin and MCHC=Mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration.

　Hb, RBC and WBC showed increases in their mean

in the mean values as the inclusion levels of MOLM

values of 29.00, 6.63, 3.13 and 30.13, respectively in

increases thus, making T4 to the highest value of

T1 having the lowest value. But there was an increase

34.33, 7.00, 3.34 and 30.20, respectively.

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Obakanurhe Oghenebrorhie et al. Performance and Haematological Characteristics of Broiler Finisher Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Diets

·33·

　WBC showed no significant difference among the

and 6% C. pubescens leaf meal. Similarly, reduced

mean values with T1 having the lowest value, and thus

FER in broiler chicks fed diets containing different

increased slightly as the inclusion levels increased

levels of Amaranthus cruentus leaf meal as a protein

with T4 having the highest value of 30.20.

supplement observed by Fasuyi et al (2008). Mortality was not observed in broiler finisher chickens fed the

Discussion

control and experimental diets respectively during

CP content of MOLM used was 27.14%. This was

findings, Nworgu and Fasogbon (2007) observed no

similar to CP values of 27.1% and 27.51% MOLM

mortality, when pullet chicks were fed diets containing

reported by Booth and Wickens (1988) and Oduro

different levels of C. pubescens leaf meal. The pre-

et al. (2008), respectively. The values obtained for the

sence of antioxidants in Moringa leaves, reduced

CF and EE for MOLM in this study were, however,

mortality in chicks fed on MSLM diet might be due to

similar to those reported by Oduro et al. (2008), but

its ability to enhance the immune system of animals

CF value of 17.45% was slightly lower than 19.20%

(Yang et al., 2006). Supplementation of M. oleifera

reported by Booth and Wickens (1988). CP contents

might have increased immune ability of broilers as

of the diets varied between 18.8 to 19.9%. Similarly,

reported by Du et al. (2007). However, MOLM are

Scanes et al. (2004) recommended 20% and 18.5% CP

potential feed additives in livestock production.

for grower and finisher broilers, respectively.

　The values obtained in the present study for PCV,

　Kakengi et al. (2007) observed increased feed intake

RBC, Hb fell within the normal ranges as reported

in layer hens fed diets containing 10% and 20% levels

by Maxwell et al (1990). There were no significant

of MOLM in which inclusion rates were higher than

differences (p>0.05) observed between treatment

those of the present study. However, dietary MOLM

means for all the parameters, except for PCV. The

levels up to 5% did not show any significant effect

general non significance of WBC across treatments

on feed intake (Kakengi et al., 2007). Iheukwumere

might be indicative that the experimental diets neither

et al. (2008) also reported similar intake values for

impaired nor enhanced the birds' abilities to wade off

groups on 5% dietary levels of Cassava leaf meal.

infection. The addition of MOLM in the diets resulted

Presently with this study, Ekenyem and Madubuike

in higher, but insignificant (p>0.05) Hb values.

(2006) reported improved feed intake for broilers fed

The results obtained for PCV followed a somewhat

diets with 5% and 10% levels of Ipomoea asarifolia

similar pattern with that of Hb indicating the diets

leaf meal, but intake was depressed at 15%. On the

were nutritionally adequate to meet the protein needs

other hand, Nworgu and Fasogbon (2007) reported

of birds. The health condition of experimental birds

decreased feed intake for Black Nera pullets fed diets

observed during the experimental period did not seem

containing up to 6% Centrosema pubescens leaf meal.

to have been affected by inclusion of MOLM in diets.

　However, there were no significance differences

Apart from PCV all other haematological indices were

observed in performance of 3 weeks old broilers (Arbor

not significantly affected, showing that the diets met

Acres) fed on diets supplemented with various levels

the nutritional needs of birds. Birds fed 8% and 10%

of MOLM (Du et al., 2007).

MOLM based diets recorded the lowest MCH.

the entire experiment. Consistent with these present

　All the MOLM fed chicks showed better feed conversion ratio in converting feed to body tissues. In agreement with the present findings, Nworgu and

Conclusions

Fasogbon (2007) observed significant increased in

Cobb chicks fed on MOLM diets increased with in-

FCR in growing pullets fed diets containing 2%, 4%

creasing levels of MOLM in dry matter and crude http: //publish.neau.edu.cn

·34·

Journal of Northeast Agricultural University (English Edition)

protein intake and average weight gain. From these

Vol. 23　No. 1　2016

Pakistan Journal of Nutrition, 5(1): 46-50.

results, it was concluded that finisher broiler chicks

Esonu B O, Emenelom O O, Udedibie A B I, et al. 2001. Performance

could tolerate up to 10% MOLM inclusion in their

and blood chemistry of weaner pigs fed raw Mucuna (Velvet bean)

diets without any detrimental effects on their per-

meal. Trop Anim Prod Invest, 4: 49-54.

formance and blood characteristics. However, the

Fasuyi A O, Dairo F A S, Adeniji A O. 2008. Tropical vegetable

supplementation of chicks' diet with MOLM could be

(Amaranthus Cruentus) leaf meal as alternative protein supplement

alternative feeding procedures in chicken production

in broiler starter diets: bionutrional evaluation. Journal of Central

practices in Moringa grown in tropical environment.

European Agriculture, 9(1): 23-34.

Thus, further researches need to establish an optimum level of inclusion of MOLM inclusion in finisher chick diets which do not cause any health challenges in the experimental birds.

Foidl N, Paull R. 2008. Moringa oleifera. In: the Encyclopedia of fruit and nuts. CABI, Oxfordshire, UK. pp. 509-512. Iheukwumere F C, Ndubuisi E C, Mazi E A, et al. 2008. Performance, nutrient utilization and organ characteristics of broilers fed Cassava leaf meal (Manihot esculenta, Crantz). Pak J Nutr, 7: 13-16.

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