Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder on growth performances, carcass traits and hemato-biochemical profile of Goliath chicken

J Lemoufouet, R P Séguédié, E Taboumda, T G Guemgbe, V J Mekontchou, E W T Z Guimfack and E T Pamo

Département de Zootechnie, Faculté d’Agronomie et des Sciences Agricoles, Université de Dschang, B.P. 222 Dschang, Cameroun
seguedieronald9@gmail.com

Abstract

Between January and June 2024, a trial was conducted in the AGRO-AHNK company located at the IRAD crossroads in Dschang with the aim of evaluating the effects of the incorporation rate of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in the feed on the growth performance and hemato-biochemical profile of the Goliath hen. A total of 160 subjects were randomly assigned to 16 experimental units following a completely randomized design comprising 4 repetitions of 10 subjects each (5 males and 5 females). In growth, the experimental rations were obtained by adding to the control ration Mo0, 0.25 (Mo0.25) ; 0.5 (Mo0.5) and 0.75 (Mo0.75) percent of Moringa oleifera leaf powder. The results revealed that Moringa oleifera leaf powder did not influence (p˃0.05) growth characteristics. Of the carcass characteristics studied, only head weight was influenced (p˂0.05) by the addition of Moringa leaf powder; the highest value was recorded in animals fed with ration Mo0.5 (97.85 ± 15.28) and the lowest in those fed the Mo0.75 diet (86.53 ± 6.83). The relative gizzard weight of animals fed the Mo0.25 diet (1.97±0.24) was higher (p˂0.05) than that of animals fed the other three diets. Furthermore, the intestinal weight of animals fed the Mo0.5 diet (95.20±0.03) and Mo0.75 diets (105±0.04) were higher (p˂0.05) than those fed the other diets. Total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol levels were reduced (p˂0.05) with the addition of the phytobiotic. Although some parameters were affected, the percentages of Moringa leaf powder used in this study do not effectively replace chemical antibiotics.

Keywords: Moringa oleifera, phytobiotic, growth performance, Goliath chicken

Introduction

Raising local poultry is attractive because it offers many advantages (Djinandji et al 2022). Poultry in general is characterized by its rapid growth, early sexual maturity, high egg production and disease resistance. Its relatively short life cycle and small size make it undemanding in terms of feed and space (Bello, 2010). Their products are rich in nutrients and highly palatable to consumers (Kana et al 2017a). Despite all these qualities and the importance it receives worldwide, local poultry and the fundamentals of its farming are still poorly understood in Cameroon (MINEPIA, 2005). In order to boost their production, farmers tend to use antibiotics as feed additives to stabilize the microbial flora, ensure the health of their animals and boost their production (MINEPIA, 2005). But the misuse of antibiotics has been described as presenting a public health risk due to the increase in antibiotic resistance of bacteria in animals and humans (Nguessan, 2020). This situation led to the ban on the use of antibiotics and synthetic hormones as growth promotion factors in livestock farming (Donoghue, 2003). Therefore, animal production researchers have begun searching for alternatives to synthetic antibiotics, among those alternatives we can talk about prebiotics, probiotics, enzymes, organic acids and phytobiotics (Mathlouthi et al 2009).

Phytobiotics better meet researchers' desires in terms of cost and availability and can be found in several plants or plant extracts (Gong et al 2014). Therefore, plant-based products with anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-parasitic, anti-fungal, anti-mutagenic, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and growth and fertility stimulating properties (Brenes and Raura, 2010) such as Moringa oleifera are tested. Studies conducted by various authors (Tendonkeng et al 2008) have shown that Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in proteins, minerals and vitamins. These authors found that the use of M. oleifera leaf flour at low rates (0.25-15%) of incorporation improves the growth performance of broiler chickens and the laying rate of laying hens. Although this plant is widely available in Cameroon (Messaoudene, 2018), no scientific study has yet been devoted to its use in Goliath chicken feed. It is with this in mind that the present study was initiated with the objective of evaluating the effect of the incorporation rate of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in Goliath chicken feed on growth performance, carcass characteristics and the hemato-biochemical profile of Goliath chickens.

Materials and methods

Study Area

The study was conducted from February to May 2024 at the AGRO-ANKH facility, located at the IRAD intersection in Dschang. The facility is located between 5°22'-5°26' North Latitude, 10°30'-10°60' East Longitude and culminates at an average altitude of 1,420 m in the agro-ecological zone of the western highlands of Cameroon.

Animal material

At two months of age, one hundred and sixty (160) animals, including 80 males and 80 females, with an average weight of 1500 g ± 15 g, were used for the trial. Each subject was identified by a unique identification number on adhesive tape attached to one of their legs.

Housing and equipment

The breeding building had an area of ​​50 m². Using local materials (raffia bamboo), 16 pens, each measuring 2 m², were created. Each of these pens was equipped with a 10 L waterer and a suitable 5 kg circular feeder. Throughout the trial period, the animals were reared according to a natural day-to-day rhythm (12 hours a day). The bedding was made of 2.5 cm thick white wood shavings.

Prophylaxis

The livestock building and all pens were first disinfected using a bleach and cresyl solution (0.5 liters of bleach and 0.5 liters of cresyl per 20 liters of water). A hot solution (1 kg per 10 liters of water) was then sprayed in all corners of the building. A crawl space was then maintained for a period of 15 days before the animals were introduced. The equipment was cleaned daily using water, soap and a sponge.

Plant material

Young leaves of M. oleifera were collected in the northern region of Cameroon, specifically in the Mayo-Banyo department of the Adamawa region. They were dried in the shade for 72 hours at a temperature of 25°C, then sun-dried for 24 hours to facilitate grinding. After drying, the leaves were ground and crushed into powder using a blender. The resulting leaf flour was packaged in plastic bags and sealed.

Preparation of experimental rations

The ingredients used in the formulation of the basic ration were purchased from agricultural by-product dealers in the city of Dschang. Table 1 below presents the various ingredients used in the formulation of this basic ration, as well as its calculated percentage composition.

Four experimental diets were formulated:

.Base diet + 0% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (Mo0);

· Base diet + 0.25% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (Mo0.5);

· Base diet + 0.50% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (Mo0.5);

· Base diet + 0.75% Moringa oleifera leaf powder (Mo0.75).

Trial conduct and data collection

The hens were weighed at the start of the trial and then every 7 days between 6:30 and 8:00 a.m. using an electronic scale with a capacity of 7000g and an accuracy of 10g. The 160 animals were divided into 4 groups of 4 batches each, then distributed in a completely randomized experimental design. Each batch represented a replicate and consisted of 10 animals.

Each batch of animals was housed in a 2 m² pen, each equipped with a 5 kg circular feeder, a 10 l drinker and lined with white wood shavings (2.5 cm high). From the beginning to the end of the trial, growth performance was evaluated weekly. After 70 days of treatment, 12 hens per treatment group were randomly selected and sacrificed to evaluate carcass characteristics and hemato-biochemical parameters. The liver, gizzard, heart, pancreas, kidneys, abdominal fat and intestine were collected and weighed using a 160 g capacity and 10-3 g accuracy scale. Immediately after sacrifice, blood is collected in two types of tubes. One is dry and the other contains an anticoagulant.

Data Collection and parameters studied

Growth characteristics

Feed consumption

Feed was pre-weighed and distributed daily to the birds. At the end of each week, the feed refusals were collected and weighed. Feed consumption was calculated by taking the difference between the quantities fed and the feed refusals collected in each experimental unit.

Live weight (LW) and weight gain (WG)

At the beginning of the trial and every 7 days thereafter, the birds in each experimental unit were weighed using an electronic scale with a precision of plus or minus 1 g. Weekly weight gain was calculated by taking the difference between two consecutive weekly live weights. Total weight gain was calculated by taking the difference between the weight at the beginning and the weight at the end of the trial.

Average daily gain (ADG)

Average daily gain was obtained by calculating the ratio of the weight gain during a period to the duration of that period.

Feed conversion ratio (FC)

The feed conversion ratio was obtained by dividing the amount of feed consumed during a given period by the weight gain over the same period.

Feed efficiency (FE)

Feed efficiency was assessed by calculating the inverse of the feed conversion ratio.

Carcass characteristics

At 18 weeks of age, 12 animals (6 males and 6 females) were randomly selected per treatment and sacrificed for carcass characteristic assessment. These animals were fasted for 24 hours and then weighed using a 7 kg capacity, 1 g sensitivity scale, bled, scalded, plucked and eviscerated as described by Kana et al (2017a).

Carcass yield

Carcass yield 1 (CY1) relative to the ready-to-cook carcass, carcass yield 2 (CR2) which takes into account all parts consumed by the local population and the relative weight of parts (heads and feet) and organs (gizzard, liver, heart) in relation to live weight.

Relative Organ Weight

Immediately after the birds were sacrificed, the liver, heart, gizzard, pancreas, kidneys, small intestine and abdominal fat were removed, freed from fatty tissue and weighed using a 160 g capacity balance with a precision of 10^-3 g bw. The relative weight of the various organs was then determined using the following formula :

Organ volume

The volume of all these organs except the small intestine was determined using the water displacement method in a graduated cylinder in milliliters. The graduated cylinder was filled with 100 ml of 0.9% concentrated NaCl solution; the difference from the volume obtained when the organ was immersed corresponded to the organ's volume.

Intestine density

The length of the intestine was measured from the beginning of the duodenal lumen to the cloaca using a tape measure. Intestinal density was calculated using by dividing the weight of the intestine by his length.

Hemato-biochemical profile

Blood from animals sacrificed during the carcass parameter assessment was collected in heparinized tubes for hematological parameter determination and in non-heparinized tubes (without anticoagulant) for biochemical parameter determination.

Hematological Parameters

Hematological parameters were determined using a Genius automated blood analyzer (model K-T 6180, S/N 701106101557). These parameters included red blood cells, white blood cells, blood platelets, hematocrit, hemoglobin, platelet count, mean corpuscular hemoglobin content, mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration.

Biochemical parameters

Blood collected in unspared tubes (without anticoagulant) was allowed to stand for 12 hours, then serum was collected and stored in a refrigerator at -20°C until analysis of : ASAT (asparate aminotransferase), creatinine, urea, total protein, albumin, globulins, total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol and glucose. Measurements were performed using a spectrophotometer following the protocol described by the commercial manufacturers (CHRONOLAB®).

Statistical analyses

Growth performance and carcass trait data were subjected to one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and Duncan’s t-test was used to seperate means when significant differences existed at the 5% level. SPSS version 20.0 statistical software was used for this purpose.

Results

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed on growth performance in Goliath chickens

Table 2 presents a general overview of growth performance trends.

It appears from the table 2 that the addition of Moringa leaf powder to the diet of Goliath chickens tends to improve all of these characteristics, although no dirrerence (p>0.05) was obseved. The highest feed consumption, live weight, weight gain and average daily gain were recorded in animals fed the R1 diet; Furthermore, animals fed the R3 diet produced the best feed conversion ratio and the highest feed efficiency.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in the diet on the relative organ weight of Goliath chickens

From Table 3, which presents the effect of Moringa leaf powder on the carcass characteristics of Goliath chickens, it appears that only the statistical analysis of the relative head weight revealed a difference (p< 0.05). The head weight of animals fed the Mo0.75 diet was higher than that of those fed the Mo0.5 diet; moreover, these values ​​were comparable (p>0.05) to those of animals fed the Mo0 and Mo0.25 diets. The highest carcass yield 2, relative heart weight; and relative liver weight and volume were recorded in animals fed the Mo0.25 diet. In addition, animals fed the Mo0.75 diet produced the highest carcass yield 1 and relative leg weight. Furthermore, the highest relative head, pancreas and abdominal fat weights were recorded in animals fed the Mo0.5 diet.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf Powder in feed on digestive organs in Goliath Hens

Table 4, which summarizes the effects of the incorporation rate of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed on the development of the digestive organs in Goliath hens, shows that, regardless of the incorporation rate of this phytobiotic, analysis of variance showed no difference (p˃0.05) in intestinal length and density. However, supplementing Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed significantly increased intestinal weight; the values ​​recorded in animals fed rations Mo0.5 and Mo0.75 were statistically lower (p<0.05) than those in animals fed the other two rations. Furthermore, the gizzard weight of animals fed the Mo0.25 ration (1.97±0.24) was comparable (p>0.05) to that of animals fed the Mo0.75 ration (1.85±0.32) but higher (p<0.05) than that of animals fed the other two rations.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed on hematological parameters

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed on leukocyte and erythrocyte parameters

Table 5 summarizes the effect of the incorporation rate of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in feed on the hematological parameters of Goliath hen. It appears that for all the parameters studied, no difference (p>0.05) was observed between the different diets; with the exception of the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration, where the values recorded in animals fed diets Mo0.25 and Mo0.75 were comparable (p>0.05) to each other and higher (p<0.05) than those of animals fed the other two diets.

Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder in the diet on some serological parameters

Table 6 shows that the blood concentrations of total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol in animals fed diets Mo0 and Mo0.25 were comparable (p>0.05) to each other and higher (p<0.05) than those in animals fed the other two diets. Other characteristics were not affected (p>0.05) by the addition of Moringa leaf powder to the diet; however, the AST, creatinine, albumin and total protein levels in animals fed diet Mo0.75 were the lowest.

Discussion

This study revealed that the incorporation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder into the diet had no effect (p˃0.05) on feed consumption. These observations could be explained by the small amount of phytobiotic used here, which had no effect on feed palatability. This result is consistent with those of Zhang et al (2009) and Majib et al (2010), who reported that the incorporation of ginger and thyme powder at 5 g/kg of feed in broiler chickens had no effect on feed consumption. However, our results are in contrast with those of Djinandji et al (2022), who reported that Moringa oleifera leaf powder incorporated at rates of 2, 5 and 10% in quail (Coturnix joponica) feed was not different from those of controls during the growth period. These discrepancies would be due to the quantities of phytobiotic incorporated in these studies.

The addition of Moringa leaf powder to the ration had no effect (p>0.05) on the other growth characteristics studied, namely weight gain, live weight, average daily gain, feed conversion ratio and feed efficiency. Although no difference was observed (p>0.05), the addition of Moringa leaf powder to the Goliath hens' ration tends to improve the feed efficiency of the ration. This would be due to the fact that we used low quantities of phytobiotics that did not allow for a pronounced effect on the development of the beneficial microflora involved in the digestibility of the feed. Some secondary metabolites of Moringa oleifera leaf powder, which, through their antimicrobial properties, are able to inhibit the growth of certain pathogenic bacteria in the intestine such as Escherichia coli and Salmonella aureus, with a positive effect on digestion and absorption of nutrients, indirectly leading to improved growth performance (Windisch et al 2008).

Although carcass yields tend to increase with the inclusion of additives in the diet, no differences (p>0.05) were recorded between animal groups in terms of carcass characteristics and digestive organs This trend towards increased carcass yield is related to increased live weight and weight gain in birds fed diets containing these additives. The results of the present work are in agreement with those of Ouedraogo et al (2021) who reported that the incorporation of turmeric rhizome powder at the rate of 1.5% has no significant effects on carcass characteristics in broiler chickens. On the other hand, Nouzarian et al (2011) reported that supplementing broiler chicken diets with turmeric rhizome powder at the rates of 3.3; 6.6 and 10g/kg, significantly reduces abdominal fat weight.

The effects of Moringa leaf powder on gizzard weight are mixed and the observations may result from differences between individuals. On the other hand, the weight of the intestine tends to increase with the addition of the phytobiotic in the ration. This reflects an increase in the number of microvilli in the intestine which would result from the presence of phenolic compounds in the phytobiotic. This observation would also justify the improvements in feed efficiency, weight gain and live weight of the animals; although these effects were not significant. This result is in contradiction with that of Sajid et al (2015) who recorded no significant effect on the weight of the intestine of broilers receiving livol (1 ml/2 liters of water), livotal (1 ml/4 liters of water) and Hepato promoter (1 ml/4 liters of water).

Although no difference was observed (p>0.05), Moringa leaf powder tends to improve the level of red blood cells, white blood cells, hemoglobin as well as hematocrit; this reflects the ability of this phytobiotic to promote erythropoiesis. This implies an improvement in the oxygen transport capacity for cells, thus translating into better availability of nutrients (Oleforuh-Okoleh et al 2015). This phytobiotic would also have the ability to strengthen the immune system of birds, hence the increase in the number of white blood cells. Similar results were reported by Toghyani et al (2010) who noted that the incorporation of thyme powder as an additive in the feed of broiler chickens has no significant effect on their hematocrit level.

The present study reveals a decrease (p<0.05) in serum levels of Total Cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, this observation would reflect a considerable decrease in the risk of cardiovascular diseases, sometimes caused by excessive deposition of cholesterol in the arteries by low-density lipoproteins, leading to sudden death of chickens. This result is in contradiction with that of Mansoub (2011) who reported that supplementing broiler feed with 1g/kg of Allium sativum leads to the reduction of LDL cholesterol and triglyceride levels. These divergent observations may be justified by the phytobiotics used in these studies which have different bioactive substances in quantity and quality, which therefore suggests effects that may be divergent.

Conclusion

At the end of this study, we can conclude that the addition of Moringa oleifera leaf powder to the Goliath chicken feed had no significant effect on growth performance and carcass characteristics. Except for MCHC, MPV, PDW, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, Moringa oleifera leaf powder had no effect on the remaining hematobiochemical parameters. It would be desirable to isolate and test the effects of the various active ingredients contained in Moringa oleifera leaf powder on poultry growth performance.

Bibliographie

Bello H 2010 Essai d’incorporation de la farine de feuilles de Moringa oleifera dans l’alimentation chez les poulets indigènes du Sénégal : Effets sur les performances de croissance, les caractéristiques de la carcasse et le résultat économique. Universite Cheikh Anta Diop de Dakar. Thèse pour l’obtention du diplôme d’états. Pp 78-100

Brenes A and Roura E 2010 Essential oils in poultry nutrition: Main effects and modes of action. Animal Feed Science and Technology , 158(1): 1-14. https://doi.org./10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2010.03.007

Djinandji G, Marie C, Zougrou N, Kande B et Kouakou K 2022 Effet de la poudre des feuilles de Moriga oleifera sur la croissance, la ponte et la qualité des œufs de la caille (coturnix japonica) en élevage en Côte d’Ivoire. Journal of Animal & Plant Sciences.(J.Anim.PlantSci.ISSN2071-7024)Vol.51(1):9162-9172 https://doi.org/10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v51-1.1

Donoghue D 2003 "Antibiotic residues in poultry tissues and eggs: human health concerns?" Poultry Science, 82(4): 618-621. https://doi.org/10.1093/ps/82.4.618

Gong J, Yin F, Hou Y and Yin Y 2014 Chinese herbs as alternatives to antibiotics in feed for swine and poultry production : potential and challenges in application. Canadian Journal of Animal Science, 94(2) : 223-241. https://doi.org/10.4141/cjas2013-144

Kana J R, Mube K H Ngouana T R, Tsafong F, Komguep R, Yangoue A et teguia A 2017a Effect of dietary mimosa small bell (Dichostachys glomerata) fruit supplement as alternative to antibiotic growth promoter for broiler chickens. Journal of World Poultry Research, 7(1): 27-34.

Mansoub N 2011 Comparative effects of using garlic as probiotic on performance and serum composition of broiler chicken. Animal of Biological Research, 2 : 486-490. https://scholarsresearchlibrary.com/ABR-vol2-iss3/ABR-2011-2-3-486-490

Mathlouthi M, BouzaÏenne T, Recoquillary F, Hamdi M and Bergaoui R 2009 Effet de preparations d'huiles essentielles sur la croissance des bacteries in vitro et les performances du poulet de chair. Huitièmes journées de la recherche Avicole, St Malo, 25 et 26 mars 2009.

Messaoudene A 2018 Utilisation d'extrait de Moringa oleiferadans un emballage comestible. Mémoire de Master en sciences alimentaires. Université A. MIRA – Béjaia.3p.

MINEPIA 2005 Rapports annuels. Ministère de l'élevage, des pêches et des industries animales. Yaoundé, 16PPGondwe N., Wollny B.C.A. and Kaumbata W.T:

Nguessan A, Amanidja B, Soro D et Tuehi B 2020 Effet de l’incorporation de la poudre des feuilles de Moriga oleiferadans l’alimentation des cailles (coturnix japonica) sur les performances zootechnique et organoleptique de la viande. Journal of Animal & PlantSciences.(J.Anim.PlantSci.ISSN2071-7024)Vol.51(1):7771-7782 https://doi.org/10.35759/JAnmPlSci.v45-1.3

Nouzarian R, Tabeidian S A, Toghyani M and Ghalamkari G 2011 Effect of tumeric powder on performance, carcass traits, humoral immune responses and serum metabolites in broiler chicken. Journal of Animal Feed Science , 20 (3) : 389-400.

Oleforuh-Okoleh, Harriet M, Solomon O, Oladefedehan A, Awofolaji A and Adeniji A 2010 Evaluation of growth performance, haematological and serum biochemicalresponse of broiler chickens to aqueous extract of ginger of garlic. Journal of Agricultural Science, 7 : 167-173. Doi : 10.5539/jas.v7n4p167

Ouedraogo B, Zoundi S J and Sawadogo L 2021 Effets de l’incorporation des graines d’oseille de Guinée (Hibiscus sabdariffa, L.) bouillies dans les rations sur les performances de croissance des poulets de chair au Burkina-Faso. Afrique SCIENCE,18 (2) : 42-55. ISSN 1813-548X

Sajid H, Ahsanul H, Fawwad A, Shahidur R, Pervez A, Naeem A and Ghulam A 2015 Vying Efficacy of Livol, Livotal, Hepato Promoter on performance and Immun Response of Broiler. Advances in Zoology and botany, 3(3) : 31-37. Doi : 10.13189/azb.2015.030301

Tendonkeng F, Boukila B, Beguidé A and Pamo Tedonkeng E 2008 Essai de substitution du tourteau de soja par la farine de feuilles de Moringa oleiferadans la ration finition des poulets de chair. Conférence Internationale sur le renforcement de la compétitivité en Aviculture Semi-industrielle en Afrique (CIASA). INRAN. Dakar-Sénégal.16P

Toghyani M et Tohidi B 2013 "Performance, immunity, serum biochemical and hematological parameters in broiler chicks fed dietary thyme as alternative for an antibiotic growth promoter." African Journal of Biotechnology,9(40): 6819-6825.

Windish W, Schedle K, Plitzner C and Kroismayr A 2008 Use of phytogenic product as feed additives for swine and poultry. Journal of Animal Science, 86 : 140-148. https://doi.org/10.2527/jas.2007-0459