ABSTRACT

Effect of Moringa oleifera (Moringa) and Azadirachta indica (Neem) leaf meals as feed ingredients in diets for broiler chickens was evaluated. Six isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets represented as treatments 1 (control, 0% leaf meal), 2 (5% MOLM), 3 (5% AILM), 4 (2.5%AILM+ 2.5% MOLM), 5 (3% MOLM + 2% AILM), and 6 (2% MOLM + 3% AILM) were fed to one hundred and forty four Agrited broiler chicks for 49 days in a completely randomized design. The six treatments were in triplicates of eight (8) birds per replicate. Birds were offered feed and water ad-libitum. The parameters measured were live weight, weight gains, and feed consumed. Feed conversion ratio and costs in terms of feed cost per kilogram weight gain, cost per kilogram of feed, and cost of feed consumed were calculated. Carcass response, organ response and haematological parameters were also obtained after the 49 day trial. Dietary leaf meals supplemented groups revealed variable results in feed intake, weight gain, and haematological indices. The results showed that, the daily feed intake and daily weight gain of broiler chickens on T4 diets recorded the highest values (141.33g) and (49.66g) respectively which differed (P < 0.05) from values obtained for birds on T₂, T₃, T₅ and T₆. Final body weight at 8 weeks was recorded highest among birds on treatment 1 but did not significantly differ (P>0.05%) from those on treatment 4. However, for the feed conversion ratio, T4 recorded the best value (2.53) which differed (P < 0.05) from those of T₁, T₂, T₃, T₅ and T₆. The cost of feed/kg did not differ significantly (P > 0.05). The cost of production/bird was significantly high (P<0.05) in T6 when compared to those of T₁, T₂, T₃, T₄ and T₅. Cut-parts and organ proportions presented as a percentage dressed weight showed no significant (P > 0.05) differences. Haematology and serum biochemistry values were in conformity with standards for healthy broiler chickens. It is therefore, concluded that combining 2.5% of Moringa oleifera with 2.5% of Azadirachta indica leaf meals as feed ingredients in broiler starter and finisher diets encouraged healthy growth and may serve as supplements for antibiotics, especially when birds are reared where there is minimal access to veterinary service and in organic poultry production practices.