Evaluation of the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera seeds as a protein source on growth performance of broiler chickens

Author

Chimanga, W.

Title

Evaluation of the effect of feeding Moringa oleifera seeds as a protein source on growth performance of broiler chickens

Abstract

This study evaluates the effects of feeding Moringa oleifera seeds as a protein source on the growth performance of broiler chickens from day-old to six weeks of age. With the growing demand for affordable protein sources in poultry production, Moringa oleifera presents a viable alternative due to its rich nutritional profile. A total of sixty broilers were divided into two groups: one fed with commercial feed and the other with an experimental diet incorporating roasted Moringa oleifera seeds. Key metrics assessed included daily feed intake, weekly weight gain, and feed conversion ratio.
Results indicated no significant difference in feed intake between the two groups during the first three weeks. However, the experimental group displayed an enhanced weekly weight gain in the fourth week (P<0.05), with no significant differences observed in weeks five and six. Mortality rates were comparable, with primary causes being environmental stressors. This research underscores the potential of Moringa oleifera seeds as a sustainable protein source for broiler production. Given the findings, it is recommended that poultry farmers consider incorporating Moringa oleifera seeds into broiler diets to improve growth performance, particularly when heat-treated to mitigate anti nutritional factors.

Date

October 2025

Publisher

BUSE

Keywords

Moringa oleifera

broiler chickens

protein source

feed conversion

growth performance

Supervisor

Mr. A. Pagute