Utilization of dietary Moringa oleifera (drumstick tree): Its effect on animal performance and productivity

Abstract

The present review article gives a detailed discussion on the utilization and the effect of the inclusion of Moringa oleifera in animal diets on performance and productivity. Moringa has been fed to cattle, goats, sheep, poultry, pigs, rabbits and fish. The inclusion of moringa leaf meals as a supplement to low-quality livestock fodder has led to improved dry matter intake as well as the better digestibility of the fodder by livestock. It has also been used for the bright colouration of egg yolk, broilers skin, wattles, beaks, combs and shank, for improving meat quality, higher weight gain, better egg shell quality, higher egg weight and production, improved haematological profile, better milk production and quality and general improvement in animal health. It has been reported to reduce the cost of production when incorporated into the ration of animals as a partial replacement for conventional sources of protein.