​Effect of Inclusion of Moringa oliefera Leaf Meal on the Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Carcass Characteristics of Deccani Lambs

Abstract

Background: Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is a highly valued plant grown in tropical and subtropical countries. Moringa has a high amount of crude protein, a well-balanced amino acid profile, vitamins and minerals and fewer quantities of antinutritive factors. Methods: Eighteen growing Deccani lambs of uniform body weight (14.22±1.5 kg) and age were randomly allotted to three treatment groups viz., 100 per cent groundnut cake (T1), 75% groundnut cake+ 25% Moringa oliefera leaf meal (T2) and 50% groundnut cake+ 50% M. oliefera leaf meal (T3) as a protein source in the concentrate mixture. The experiment was conducted for 90 days. Result: No significant difference was found in the fortnightly body weights of the lambs from 1st to 6th fortnights among three dietary groups. Total weight gain and Average Daily gain (ADG) were significant (P less than 0.01) among the treatment groups whereas DMI (kg/day), per 100 kg and FCR was non-significant. The digestibility coefficients (%) of all nutrients were non-significant (P greater than 0.05) except the NFE. Pre-slaughter weight, empty body weight, hot carcass weights and dressing percent on pre-slaughter weight and empty body weight were comparable among the three groups. Results of the present study indicated that inclusion of 25% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in concentrate mixture proved to be superior and improved the growth performance, digestibility of nutrients and carcass traits without any adverse effects on experimental lambs.