Influence of Moringa oleifera leaves as a functional feed additive on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile of broiler chicken

An experiment was conducted to study the influence of Moringa oleifera leaves (MOL) as a functional feed additive on the growth performance, carcass characteristics and serum lipid profile of broiler chickens. 288-day-old commercial broiler chicks randomly divided into three equal groups containing 2 replicates of 48 chicks were offered a standard broiler diet (C) or Moringa oleifera leaves supplemented diet @ 0.25% (MOL-1) and 0.40% (MOL-2) on dry matter basis by partial replacement of sesame cake of control diet for 42 days. Incorporation of MOL at both 0.25% and 0.40% levels significantly (p < 0.01) improved the body weight and feed efficiency. There was significant (p < 0.01) reduction in mortality rate and serum total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL-cholesterol and increase in HDL-cholesterol in MOL supplemented birds. However, non-significant (p > 0.05) variation was observed between the birds fed MOL-1 and MOL-2 diet. The cost of broiler production was reduced (15%) due to supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaves.