Effect of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf on productive performance, egg quality, antioxidant capacity and lipid levels in laying chickens

Abstract

This study was performed to evaluate dietary Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) inclusion on productive performance, egg quality, internal organ index, antioxidant capacity and lipid metabolism in hens at late laying stage. The control (CON) group received basal diet, while the MOLP2.5, MOLP5, MOLP7.5, and MOLP10 groups received basal diet MOLP inclusion at 2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10%, respectively. After six weeks, laying performance, feed intake, egg quality, organ index, antioxidant capacity and lipid indices were analysed. Results showed that low-level dietary of inclusion MOLP (<5%) did not adversely affect laying rate. Feed intake and feed conversion were significantly reduced (p < .05) in the MOLP2.5 group. Yolk colour showed linear and quadratic responses to MOLP supplementation and changes in yolk colour stabilised over time. The abdominal fat index decreased linearly as the level of MOLP supplementation increased (p < .05). Glucose showed a significant decrease in the MOLP groups, compared with the CON group (p < .05). Serum triglycerides and high-density lipoprotein were lowest in the MOLP2.5 group. Serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were significantly higher in the MOLP2.5 group (p < .05) and expression levels of SOD1 and SOD2 mRNAs were significantly higher in the MOLP2.5 and MOLP7.5 groups than in the CON group (p < .05). These results suggest that dietary addition of low-level MOLP improves yolk colour and antioxidant capacity, and reduces feed conversion and abdominal fat index in layer chickens. Highlights Feed intake, feed conversion, abdominal fat index and serum glucose were significantly reduced in group treated with 2.5% moringa oleifera leaf powder. Layer chickens fed dietary moringa oleifera leaf powder inclusion significantly improved yolk color. The antioxidant capacity and lipid performance in group with 2.5% moringa oleifera leaf powder addition was best among the treatment groups.