Evaluation of Moringa Oleifera Leaves Powder on Some Blood Parameters and Performances of Broilers

This study aimed to investigate the effects of dietary Moringa oleifera leaves meal (MOLM) supplementation as a natural growth promoter in broiler chickens. Total of 160 one day old Hubbard chicks were randomly divided into 4 equal groups. Group (1) served as a control group. Groups (2), (3) and (4) received MOLM in their feed at levels of 2.5%, 5% and 7 %, respectively, till the end of the experiment (42 days). The live body weights and the total amount of feed intake were recorded weekly. Hematological and biochemical tests were performed at 14th and 42th days of age. At the end of the experiment, birds were sacrificed and weights of breast meat, gizzard, heart and liver were recorded. It was observed that MOLM at 5 % and 7% levels significantly (P < 0.05) improved the weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR) and decreased the mortality rate. Moreover, the three levels of MOLM significantly (P < 0.05) enhanced the total red blood cell count (RBC) at 14th and 42nd days of age respectively comparing with a control group. Last group (MOLM 7%), achieved a significant improvement of the hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), total antioxidant capacity(TAC), phagocytic activity, total leukocytes count (TLC), lymphocytes, total protein (TP) and globulin levels. In conclusion, MOLM 7% could be used as a natural growth promoter in broilers chicken.