The effect of Kelor (Moringa oleifera) seed meal on productive performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol of broiler chickens

Abstract

Kelor seed meal has been believed to be rich in protein and available in many tropical countries. A study was conducted to determine the effect of kelor seed meal on productive performance, carcass traits, and meat cholesterol of broiler chickens. The study used a total of 100 day—old-unsexed Cobb broiler chicks. The birds were distributed into 5 brooders for one week. On day 3, the chicks were vaccinated against New Castle diseases. On days 7, the chicks were transferred into 20 pens. The birds were fed 5 experimental diets throughout the study according to a completely randomized design. The experimental diets were 0, 2, 4, 6, and 8% kelor seed meal, respectively. The diets and water were supplied ad-libitum. Parameters measured were feed intake, body weight gain, FCR, meat cholesterol, carcass and non-carcass percentage. The data found in this study were subject to the analysis of variance. The differences detected in the analysis of variance were further tested with the Tukey test. The results of the study showed that supplementation of the diets with kelor seed meal did not affect (P>0.05) feed intake, percentages of the carcass, meat, and bone. Bodyweight gain, FCR, meat, and abdominal fat and meat cholesterol were significantly (P<0.05) affected by the treatments. In conclusion, the addition of 2% to 8% kelor seed meal in the diet increased body weight gain with the highest body weight gain of birds fed the 6% and 8% kelor seed meal. Percentages of fat and cholesterol were lower in birds fed the diets containing kelor seed meal.