Replacing alfalfa-based total mixed ration with Moringa leaves for improving carcass and meat quality characteristics in lambs
Khalid A. Abdoun,
Gamaleldin M. Suliman,
Ahmed A. Alsagan,
Osman A. Altahir,
Mohammed Y. Alsaiady,
Elfadil E. Babiker,
Mohammed A. Al-Badwi,
Faisal A. Alshamiry,
Ahmed A. Al-Haidary
Affiliations
Khalid A. Abdoun
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Gamaleldin M. Suliman
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia; Corresponding author.
Ahmed A. Alsagan
King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology (KACST), Riyadh 12354, Saudi Arabia
Osman A. Altahir
Biostatistics Department, Naif Arab University for Security Sciences, Riyadh 14812, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed Y. Alsaiady
Development and Research Unit, Arabian Agricultural Services Company (ARASCO), Riyadh 12311, Saudi Arabia
Elfadil E. Babiker
Department of Food and Nutrition Science, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Mohammed A. Al-Badwi
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Faisal A. Alshamiry
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
Ahmed A. Al-Haidary
Department of Animal Production, College of Food and Agriculture Sciences, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2460, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
The expected increase in the population will put more pressure on resources, which means there will be a greater demand for food and the need for different ingredients to feed animals. This study aimed to explore the potential benefits of replacing alfalfa-based total mixed ration (TMR) with Moringa spp. On carcass characteristics and meat quality traits in lamb. The experiment involved 60 intact male lambs of the Harri breed, averaging 24 ± 1 kg in weight and approximately 5 months old. Lambs were randomly divided into five feeding groups: T1 (40 % alfalfa-based TMR), T2 (40 % M. oleifera), T3 (40 % M. peregrina), T4 (20 % alfalfa-based TMR + 20 % M. oleifera), and T5 (20 % alfalfa-based TMR + 20 % M. peregrina. The results confirmed that incorporating Moringa spp. Into lamb diets significantly reduced intramuscular fat content. Supplementation also improved tenderness, texture properties, and water-holding capacity. Additionally, the treatment groups exhibited a significant decrease in total non-carcass components compared to the control group. Overall, these findings suggest positive changes and enhancements in lamb carcass traits and meat quality attributes with Moringa spp. Supplementation, without observed adverse effects.
