Evaluation of Moringa oleifera leaf in laying hens: effects on laying performance, egg quality, plasma biochemistry and organ histopathological indices

Abstract

This experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of supplementary Moringa oleifera leaf (MOL) on performance, egg quality, plasma parameters and organ histopathological indices of layers. A total of 360 27-week-old Hy-Line Grey commercial layers were randomly allotted to four groups. Each group consisted of six replicates with 15 birds and 3 birds were placed in one cage. The control group was fed a corn-soybean meal based diet and the experimental groups were fed on control diet supplemented with 5%, 10% or 15% MOL (MOL5, MOL10 and MOL15 group). The experiment lasted for 8 weeks. No significant differences were observed in egg weight or feed intake among all groups (p > .05). The birds in MOL15 group had higher feed conversation ratio and lower egg production compared with those in control group (p < .05). Layers in MOL5 had a deeper yolk colour than those in control group (p < .05). The albumen height and Haugh unit increased with increasing level of MOL when eggs were stored at 4 °C and 28 °C for 4 weeks (p < .05). Layers in MOL15 group had higher aspartate aminotransferase activity and lower uric acid concentration than other groups (p < .05). Layers in MOL10 and MOL15 groups had higher malondialdehyde content than those in control group (p < .05). Supplementary MOL increased the activity of glutathione peroxidase (p < .05). In conclusion, dietary supplementation with 5% MOL could improve yolk colour value and protein absorption without adverse effects on laying performance and egg quality.

Keywords

• Moringa oleifera leaf
• laying performance
• egg quality
• plasma parameters
• histopathology