Performance of Koekoek Chicken Fed with Different Levels of Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal

This study was carried out to assess the feeding value of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) in layers ration on feed intake, body weight (BW) change, feed conversion ratio, egg quality and shelf life. A total of 96 Koekoek hens aging 41 weeks were used and equally divided into 4 dietary treatments with a completely randomized design (CRD). Treatments are rations contained MOLM at the level of 0% (T1), 5% (T2), 10% (T3) and 15% (T4) with 3 replications. Bodyweight (BW) change was calculated by taking the difference of BW taken at start (initial BW) and end of the experiment (final BW). Data on feed intake and egg weight were recorded daily and mortality rate as it occurred throughout the experimental period. Egg quality was evaluated biweekly on 4 eggs per replicate. The shelf life of eggs was determined by considering albumen and yolk measurements as well as Haugh unit at an interval of 7 days on 4 eggs per replicate stored for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. Albumen and yolk pH of eggs stored at 7, 14, 21 and 28 days was also determined to evaluate the shelf life. Parameters considered during the study showed a positive (P<0.05) response. Body weight change was 0.32 kg in T1, 0.43 kg in T2, 0.48 kg in T3 and 0.37 kg in T4. Feed conversion ratio (FCR (kg egg/kg feed)) was 1.73 in T1, 2.10 in T2, 1.52 in T3 and 1.59 in T4. BW change were recorded for T3 while higher yolk color was observed for T3 and average egg weight was 48.66 gm in T1 , 54.51 gm in T2, 49.94 gm in T3 and 50.31 gm in T4. Higher feed intake and T4. In the present study, it was possible to prolong the age of eggs from hens that fed 5% MOLM than the control and other treatments. From most parameters considered in this study like feed intake, BW change and FCR; better egg quality and prolonged shelf life for internal egg quality, it is concluded that addition of 5% MOLM in the layers diet is recommended. Moringa oleifera leaf meal utilization at 5% in the poultry industry may serve the sector by enhancing the product quality as a feed additive besides serving as protein feed.