The Effects of Moringa Leaf Extract on the Growth and Microbial Load of Boiler

*Zitte Leelee Famii and Udeh Chimenum Bright

Department of Animal and Environmental Biology, Faculty of Science, University of Port Harcourt, Nigeria.  

Corresponding Author: +234-803-7971-401,   leelee.zitte@uniport.edu.ng   

ABSTRACT

The adverse effect of microbes in poultry production, especially broiler chicken remains a major concern for poultry breeders. This study determined the effects of Moringa leaf (Moringa Oleifera) extract on the performance and microbial loads of broiler birds. A total of 25 broiler chicks were used and separated into 5 groups in an iron pen with 5 chicks in each group. Group 1 (control, with no treatment), group 2 (received a treatment of 62.5mg/L), group 3 (received a treatment of 125mg/L), group 4 (received a treatment of 250mg/L), group 5 (received a treatment of 500mg/L). After 4 weeks of treatment, the faeces from each group, the control group inclusive were collected for microbial analysis. The result showed that the Moringa Oleifera leaf extract at all doses recorded non-significant difference in the parameters analysed among the groups. It was also noticed that the disparities of the results were great. Some as much as 11.5 and 168. 37 standard error of mean. Moreover, Group 3, receiving 125mg/L, exhibited a substantial reduction in E. coli, salmonella, total bacteria count, and pseudomonas activities compared to other groups. Group 3 had the highest water consumption. Amongst the treatment group, group 3 had the highest increase in weight. In conclusion, Moringa leaf extract effectively lowered the microbial load in broiler chicks at the treatment of 125mg/L without any adverse effects.

Keywords: Moringa Oleifera, Moringa leaf, microbial load, broiler birds.

CITE AS: Zitte Leelee Famii and Udeh Chimenum Bright (2024). The Effects of Moringa Leaf Extract on the Growth and Microbial Load of Boiler. NEWPORT INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PUBLIC HEALTH AND PHARMACY, 5(2):86-92 https://doi.org/10.59298/NIJPP/2024/52398692