Effects of Treated Moringa oleifera Seed Cake on Growth, Nutrient Digestibility and Blood Characteristics of Broilers

Abstract

Abstract The effect of ferrous sulphate kaolin treated Moringa oleifera seedcake (FKMOSC) on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood characteristics of broiler chickens was investigated over eight weeks study period. This study investigated the effect of ferrous sulphate kaolin treated Moringa oleifera seedcake (FKMOSC) on performance, nutrient digestibility and blood characteristics of broiler chickens. One hundred and fifty day-old Arbor acre chickens used in this experiment were subjected to five dietary treatments as follows; Diet 1-the control, diet 2-raw (untreated MOSC), diets 3, 4, and 5 –FKMOSC at doses of 0.065, 0.130 and 0.260% ferrous sulphate and 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03% kaolin respectively at 5% level of inclusion. Broilers fed treated FKMOSC had similar (p<0.05) DWG, FI and FCR with the control (59.64 to 61.35 vs. 59.66; 101.98 to 105.00 vs. 103.43 g/bird/day and 1.45 to 2.38 vs. 1.45, respectively) and were significantly (p<0.05) better than values for raw MOSC. The haematological indices and serum chemistry of chickens fed treated MOSC were poorer than the control but significantly (p<0.05) better than those of raw MOSC. In conclusion, treatment of MOSC with ferrous sulphate kaolin was effective in reducing its anti-nutritional contents and can be used as protein supplement in poultry diet. This study recommends the combine use of 0.065% ferrous sulphate and 0.01% kaolin in treatment of MOSC for improvement of its nutritive value