Abstract
ABSTRACT Phytogenic feed additives have been increasingly used in the last decade, and several plants and their metabolites have been investigated for the said purpose. In this context, present study aimed at evaluating the effects of Moringa oleifera as feed additive on layer performance, and egg bioactive compound levels and nutrient profile. HyLine W36 layers (n=200), 50 weeks of age, were randomly distributed in four treatments with five replicates of ten birds each. Four isocaloric (2725 kcal/kg) and isonitrogenous (CP 16%) diets were formulated and supplemented with 0, 0.5, 1.0, or 1.5% (w/w) of dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MLM). The results showed positive effects of MLM on egg production, egg mass, and feed conversion ratio, but negative effects on egg quality (p≤0.05). The contents of bioactive compounds, like β-carotene, quercetin, and selenium, in the diet and in the egg yolk were significantly (p≤0.05) higher in the group fed1.5% MLM, with values of 8.90, 48.88, and 0.54 mg/kg feed and 4906, 241 and 56.82 µg/100g yolk, respectively. Creatinine and glucose serum levels and cholesterol levels (serum and eggs) linearly increased as a function of increasing MLM dietary levels (p≤0.05). Antibody titers against Newcastle Disease significantly improved (p≤0.05) in the group fed the diet supplemented with 1.5% MLM. It was concluded that Moringa oleifera used as phytogenic feed additive enriches eggs with bioactive and functional compounds, and improves the production performance and the health status of layers.
Highlights
Additives are included in feeds to enhance animal performance and productivity, and for the prevention of different infections (Teteh et al, 2013; Gould, 2008)
Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have been used by the feed industry for decades, but have allegedly caused antibiotic resistance both in animals and humans beings, becoming a public health hazard (WHO, 2008). This was the basis for the ban on all types of AGPs in animal feeds in Europe and developed countries (Cogliani et al, 2011), motivating the search for alternative growth promoters, such as phytogenic feed additives (Windisch et al, 2008)
The treatments consisted of diets supplemented with0, 0.5, 1.0 and 1.5% (w/w) of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MLM) for a period of six weeks
Summary
Additives are included in feeds to enhance animal performance and productivity, and for the prevention of different infections (Teteh et al, 2013; Gould, 2008). Antibiotic growth promoters (AGP) have been used by the feed industry for decades, but have allegedly caused antibiotic resistance both in animals and humans beings, becoming a public health hazard (WHO, 2008) This was the basis for the ban on all types of AGPs in animal feeds in Europe and developed countries (Cogliani et al, 2011), motivating the search for alternative growth promoters, such as phytogenic feed additives (Windisch et al, 2008). Phytogenic feed additives are plant-derived products that can modify the metabolism of healthy animals, affecting their growth and productivity These additives increase the levels of antioxidant and bioactive compounds in animal products (Windisch et al, 2008). Such agents have been used for decades for the treatment and prophylaxis
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