Effect of Moringa (Moringa oleifera) Inclusion in Cassava Based Diets Fed to Broiler Chickens

The suitability of including Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) as a feed ingredient in cassava (CC) based broiler diets was evaluated. Seven isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets represented as treatments (maize meal based-control), 2, 3, 4 (20% CC and 0, 5, 10% MOLM) and 5, 6, 7 (30% CC and 0, 5, 10% MOLM) were fed to 378 broiler chicks for 49 days in a completely randomized design. Parameters measured were weight, weight gains, final weight and feed consumed. Feed conversion ratio and feed cost per kilogram weight gain were calculated. Haematological parameters were also obtained after the 49 day trial. A reduction in performance was observed with increasing inclusion level of MOLM beyond 5%. Birds on treatment 3 (20% CC, 5% MOLM) did not differ significantly (p>0.05) in terms of weight gain (2263.62-2428.26 gm), feed conversion ratio (2.57-2.81), final body weight at 8 weeks (2342.09-2501.24 gm) and feed cost per kilogram weight gain (979.38-1075.78 TSH) from those on the control, 20 and 30% diets (treatments 1, 2, 5). The highest feed consumption (6390.7gm) was recorded among birds on treatment 3 but did not significantly differ (p>0.05) from those on treatments 1, 2, 6 and 7(6002.7-6346.9 gm). It was concluded that broilers could be safely fed cassava based diets containing MOLM at a maximum level of 5% without deleterious effects.