EFFECTS OF MORINGA LEAF MEAL (MORINGA OLEIFERA) ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY IN GOATS

Abstract

The high cost and scarcity of conventional feed resources remain major constraints to efficient goat production, particularly in developing regions. This has necessitated the search for alternative, locally available, and nutrient-rich feed resources such as Moringaoleifera leaf meal. This study was therefore conducted to evaluate the effects of Moringaoleifera leaf meal supplementation on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner goats. Twenty (20) weaned West African Dwarf goats were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments in a Completely Randomized Design. The treatments consisted of 0%, 5%, 10%, and 15% inclusion levels of moringa leaf meal. The experiment lasted for eight weeks, during which data on feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, and nutrient digestibility were collected and analyzed using standard procedures. The results revealed significant (p<0.05) differences among treatments. Goats fed 15% moringa leaf meal recorded the highest final body weight and weight gain, while those on 5% inclusion had the lowest performance. Feed conversion ratio was most favorable in goats fed 15% moringa diet. Nutrient digestibility, particularly crude protein and crude fiber, also improved with increasing levels of moringa inclusion. In conclusion, Moringaoleifera leaf meal enhanced growth performance and nutrient digestibility of weaner goats. It is therefore recommended that moringa leaf meal be included in goat diets up to 15% as a cost-effective and sustainable feed supplement.