Moringa Oleifera: an alternative ingredient to improve the egg quality of Japanese quail

R.G Garcia,M.F.C Burbarelli,F.R Caldara,J.P Silva,C.M.F Melo,J.K Valentim,B.A Lopes,F.B Bacha,E.R.S Gandra,G.A Felix,C.M Komiyama

doi:10.1590/1678-4162-12191

Abstract

ABSTRACT This study aims to evaluate effects of inclusion of moringa in Japanese quail diets on laying performance, egg quality, blood parameters, serum biochemical profile, and behavior. One hundred and forty-four Japanese quails, approximately 35-d-old, were distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments and six replications. Treatments were diet inclusion of 0, 2, 4 and 6% of dried and ground moringa leaves. The inclusion of moringa in diets reduces the quadratic feed intake up to the level of 1.20%, increases weight of eggs with a quadratic behavior up to 3.80%, and linearly increases yolk weight. Yolk color changes with higher levels of inclusion of moringa and resulted in more intense colors. The biochemical profile of quails changed slightly but remains within the normal range. The inclusion of 4% of moringa in diets increases alkaline phosphatase. Regarding cholesterol and triglycerides, diet with 6% moringa inclusion was lower when compared to the others. The behavior of laying quails does not change due to inclusion of moringa in diets. Up to 3.83% of Moringa oleifera can be included in Japanese quail diet to improve egg quality without compromising performance, biochemical profile, blood parameters and behavior.

Highlights

Compounds extracted from medicinal or herbal plants have beneficial effects due to their antioxidant action and improving nutrient digestibility
The trial was carried out in the quail shed located in the experimental warehouse of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences of the Federal University of Grande Dourados (UFGD), in Dourados, MS, Brazil, in partnership with the University Center of Grande Dourados (UNIGRAN)
The experimental protocol was performed with the approval of the Ethics Committee on Animal Use of the University Center of Grande Dourados (Unigran/Dourados) under protocol no. 052/18

Summary

Introduction

Compounds extracted from medicinal or herbal plants have beneficial effects due to their antioxidant action and improving nutrient digestibility. They stimulate enzyme secretion and benefit intestinal microflora, and provides better performance, greater feed conversion and, higher egg production in laying birds, in addition to an increased internal egg quality (Boka et al, 2014). The fresh leaves have excellent nutritional qualities, as a good protein source, containing about 33.8% protein (Gallão et al, 2006). It contains vitamin A, B and C, and minerals such as iron, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, and zinc (Moyo et al, 2011). Due to all of these characteristics, moringa has become a potential candidate as an alternative food in poultry feed mainly for egg production, in addition to acting on the productive aspects, moringa leaves can act by significantly reducing serum cholesterol, egg yolk cholesterol and pigmentation action, and can increase egg shelf life

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