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Full Research Article

Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on Nutrient Balance, Nutrient Retention and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broiler Chicken

R
Rutvi U. Patel1
0009-0003-5548-9640
M
Makbul A. Shekh2,*
S
Safimahmad G. Vahora1
N
Nayan H. Raval1
0009-0004-4736-0385
U
Utsav M. Patel1
1Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001, Gujarat, India.
2Pashupalan Sanshodhan Kendra, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Ramna Muvada- 387 335, Gujarat, India.

ABSTRACT

Background: Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that may enhance nutrient utilization and carcass quality in broiler chickens. However, its optimal inclusion level in broiler diets requires scientific evaluation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary incorporation of MOLP on nutrient balance, nutrient retention and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

Methods: A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments under a completely randomized design: T1 (0% MOLP), T2 (0.5% MOLP), T3 (1%), T4 (1.5%) and T5 (2%). Birds were reared for 42 days during starter, grower and finisher phases and fed diets formulated as per BIS standards. Nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium balance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS 27.0.

Result: Nitrogen and phosphorus balance were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T4 compared to control, while calcium balance showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Crude protein and crude fibre retention were significantly improved (p<0.05) with MOLP inclusion, whereas dry matter, organic matter, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus retention remained unaffected (p>0.05). Dressing percentage was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 and T4 compared to control. Abdominal fat percentage was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in T4  and T5, indicating leaner carcass composition. Giblet yield and organ weights were not influenced (p>0.05) by dietary treatments. Overall, inclusion of MOLP at 1.5% improved nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics without adverse effects.

INTRODUCTION

Poultry farming plays a crucial socio-economic role in many developing countries, as chicken meat provides an affordable and accessible source of high-quality animal protein (Olwande et al., 2010; Melesse et al., 2013). In broiler production, feed represents nearly 60-70% of the total cost, making it the most influential component affecting both productivity and product quality (Biswas et al., 2015). However, the rising price of conventional feed ingredients poses a persistent challenge for producers in these regions. Ensuring profitability therefore requires strategies that enhance feed efficiency and lower feeding expenses. Animal scientists are now searching safe and natural alternatives of antibiotics such as phytobiotic. Plants contain phytonutrients and phytochemicals, which are beneficial for animal growth and overall health (Verma et al., 2025). Supplementation of commercial herbal growth promoters improved the final body weight, growth rate, better feed conversion ratio and higher gross profit per birds (Mahanta et al., 2016).
       
Moringa oleifera, widely known as the “drumstick tree” or “horseradish tree” (called Saragavo in Gujarati and Saijna in Hindi), originates from South Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and is also found across Northeastern and Southwestern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian region (Fahey, 2005; Aregheore, 2002). This plant is recognized for its exceptional nutritional value, being rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and various phenolic compounds. Notably, it contains very low levels of antinutritional factors such as tannins, saponins, trypsin inhibitors and phytates (Makkar and Becker, 1996; Kumar et al., 2010). The leaves are abundant in natural antioxidants, including vitamin C, tocopherols, flavonoids and other phenolic constituents, which function by neutralizing free radicals, stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibiting oxidase reactions (Siddhuraju and Becker, 2003; Luqman et al., 2012).                               

Studies have demonstrated beneficial effects on moringa supplementation enhances the digestibility of nutrients such as crude protein, ether extract and fiber (Londhe, 2022) and carcass characteristics, such as increased dressing percentage and breast muscle yield, indicating efficient nutrient utilization and muscle development (Nantapo et al., 2024; Akib et al., 2024). Therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the effect of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf powder @ 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% into the diets of commercial broilers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The experimental trial to assess growth performance and to conduct the metabolic trial was undertaken at the Poultry Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat. The laboratory analyses were performed at the Animal Nutrition Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat. The present experiment was carried out during the year 2025-26. A total of 160 day-old commercial broiler chicks were procured from Venky’s (India) Ltd., Anand, Gujarat. Each chick was wing-banded, weighed and randomly allocated to five groups. The 160 chicks were divided equally among the five treatments, each having four replicates with eight birds per replicate. The experimental diets were offered for six weeks in starter (0-10 days), grower (11-21 days) and finisher (22-42 days) phases. Ethical approval (No: 452/AN/24) for conducting the experiment was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, KU, Anand, Gujarat, India. The chemical composition of different feed ingredients used during the study is presented in Table 1. Based on these nutrient values, five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were formulated by incorporating graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) into the basal ration according to BIS (2024) feeding standards, as presented in Table 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
 

Table 1: Chemical composition of different feed ingredients and experimental diet.



Table 2: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in starter diet.



Table 3: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in grower diet.



Table 4: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in finisher diet.



Source and processing of MOLP
 
Locally available Moringa oleifera leaves were utilized for the experiment. Fresh leaves were collected from the trees and air-dried indoors on papers until they became crisp to maintaining their natural green coloration. After drying, the leaves were ground and sieved through a 1-3 mm mesh to obtain Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP), which served for inclusion in the experimental feed. The prepared MOLP was incorporated into the feed at the T1 (0.0% MOLP), T2  (0.5% MOLP), T3 (1.0%), T4 (1.5%) and T5 (2.0%), respectively for the different dietary treatments.
 
Management of birds
 
Broiler chicks were reared in an open-sided deep litter housing system under strict hygienic and biosecurity conditions. The experimental house and equipment were thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and fumigated prior to chick placement. Brooding temperature was maintained at 95°F during the first week and gradually reduced by 5°F per week until reaching 75°F. Birds were housed in compartmentalized pens with adequate floor space provided according to age. Rice husk was used as litter material and stirred regularly to prevent caking and to promote aeration. Moist or caked areas are replaced with fresh, dry litter when needed. Care was taken to avoid water spillage into the litter. All necessary biosecurity measures were strictly implemented. The birds were vaccinated against major poultry diseases as per the schedule presented in Table 5.

Table 5: Vaccination schedule.


 
Metabolic trial
 
A metabolic trial was conducted during the sixth week using one bird per replicate, with two days of adaptation and three days of excreta collection (Fig 1). Feed intake and excreta output were recorded to assess nutrient utilization. Thirty percent of collected excreta was preserved in sulfuric acid for nitrogen estimation, while the rest was oven-dried for dry matter analysis. Pooled excreta, feed offered and feed refusals were analyzed for proximate composition and nitrogen was determined using the Kjeldahl method (AOAC, 2000).


Amount of nutrient consumed =
Amount of nutrient in feed offered - Amount of nutrient  in feed residue

Fig 1: Excreta collection during metabolic trial.

 
Carcass characteristics
 
On day 42, one bird per replicate was randomly selected (total 20 birds), fasted for 12 hours, weighed and slaughtered using standard procedures for carcass characteristics. Carcasses were processed and the liver, heart and gizzard were collected and weighed along with dressed weight and abdominal fat (Fig 2). Giblet weight was calculated as the sum of the three organs and dressing, organ and abdominal fat percentages were derived from pre-slaughter weights.
 

Fig 2: Dressed carcass, giblet and abdominal fat of experimental broiler birds.



Statistical analysis
 
The data analyses were conducted following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), as described by Snedecor and Cochran (2014). Means of replicates within each treatment were considered for the analysis. Statistical computations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Versions 27.0) at 95% significant level using Duncan’s level of significance values.

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

Balance studies
 
The average nutrient balances (g/day/bird) of commercial broiler chicken during metabolic trial are presented in Table 6. The average nitrogen balance of the broilers fed with 1.5% moringa (T4) recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher as compared to the control (T1), suggesting superior protein retention and utilization. The other MOLP inclusion levels were not significantly affected compared with the control group. The comparable results were documented by Londhe (2022), who reported a significant (p<0.001) improvement in daily nitrogen retention in broilers supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal. In that study, nitrogen retention (g/day) increased progressively with supplementation, being highest in the 1.5% inclusion group (T3: 4.27±0.041) compared to 4.23±0.018 (T1: 0.5%), 4.12±0.016 (T2: 1.0%) and 3.88±0.078 in the control group (T0). The average calcium balance values showed a numerical increase with rising moringa levels the difference among treatments was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The average phosphorus balance significantly higher (p<0.05) in group of birds included with 1.5% moringa (T4) in diet as compared to the control, indicating better absorption and retention of dietary available phosphorus.

Table 6: Means of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance (g/bird/day) of experimental broilers during metabolic trial.


 
Nutrient retention
 
The average retention values for each nutrient were computed and are summarized in Table 7.

Table 7: Average nutrient retention (%) of experimental broilers during metabolic trial.


       
The dry matter retention (%) of broilers showed minimal variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. These results are in line with Vedendar (2018) who observed that supplementation with 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% MOLP levels did not influence dry matter retention in Cobb broilers under heat stress. Bhardwaj (2020) reported dry matter digestibility (DMD) was significantly highest in the control group (T1, 75.95%) than all MOLM-supplemented groups. In contrast to this study, More (2016) similarly found significantly higher DM digestibility in broilers fed 3% MOLM (76.92±0.82%) compared to the control (70.55±0.92%) group.
       
The organic matter retention (%) of broilers showed non-significant variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. The data reported in the present study concerned with organic matter retention corroborate with the findings of More (2016), who reported non-significant differences (p>0.05) in OM digestibility among broilers fed diets supplemented with 1% (72.45±0.61), 2% (73.14±0.99), 3% (73.16±0.59) MOLM and control group (71.59± 0.87). On the other hand, Siti et al., (2019) reported improved (p<0.05) OM digestibility in laying hens supplemented with 4% and 6% MOLP, recording 85.27% and 85.47%, respectively. Similarly, Abou-Elezz et al. (2012) reported a progressive decline (p<0.001) in OM digestibility in Rhode Island Red hens with increasing levels of MOLM 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%.
       
The crude fat retention (%) of broilers showed non-significant variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. Similar findings were reported by Vedendar (2018), who observed that the inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder @ 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% in broiler diets during heat stress conditions did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the retention of ether extract. Unlike the present results, Londhe (2022) reported a significant (p<0.05) enhancement in ether extract retention and digestibility in broilers supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 0.5, 1 and 1.5% levels. Likewise, Oghenebrorhie and Oghenesuvwe (2016) reported a significant (p<0.001) decline in ether extract in broilers fed 10% MOLM.
       
The crude fiber retention (%) were 38.86±2.21, 41.35±1.55, 41.13±1.18, 48.40±2.63 and 39.57±2.23 for T1 (0%), T2  (0.5%), T3  (1%), T4  (1.5%) and T5 (2% MOLP inclusion), respectively. The birds fed with 1.5% moringa (T4) showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) crude fiber retention than the control, while T2, T3  and T5 were found to be at par with control. The results obtained in this study for crude fiber retention corroborate the findings of Londhe (2022), who noted a significant (p<0.001) increase in crude fiber digestibility in broilers fed diets supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Likewise, Bhardwaj (2020) observed variable (p<0.05) effects on fiber digestibility where birds fed 2% and 3% MOLM. In disagreement with the current study, Oghenebrorhie and Oghenesuvwe (2016) found a significant (p<0.05) decline in crude fiber digestibility with higher moringa supplementation levels at 8% and 10% inclusion. Similarly, Sebola et al. (2019) found that higher levels of MOLM resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower values across all strains compared to the control diet.
       
The crude protein retention (%) was measured as 64.46±2.71, 68.93±4.25, 66.73±2.82, 78.01±2.09 and 70.21±1.72 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in protein retention of T4  group (1.5%) as compared to the control group, while T2‚  (0.5%), T3 (1%) and T5 (2%) showed numerical improvement (p>0.05) over control group. These findings are in agreement with Jan et al. (2025), who reported that Ross 308 broiler birds supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) in drinking water @ 120ml/liter (70.28%) showed significantly (p<0.05) highest CP digestibility as compared to the control (66.37%) group. Oppositely, Bhardwaj (2020) reported that crude protein digestibility (CPD) in control group was significantly higher than moringa supplementation groups. More (2016) and Gakuya et al. (2014) also reported non-significant (p>0.05) differences in CP digestibility with the MOLM supplementation at levels 1, 2, 3% and 7.5, 15, 30%, respectively.
       
Overall calcium metabolizable (%) remained comparable (p>0.05) across all groups, indicating that moringa inclusion had no marked influence on calcium utilization efficiency. The consistent results for calcium retention were reported by Harshini et al. (2022), who observed no significant (p>0.05) variation in calcium retention (%) among Kadaknath chickens fed diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Similarly, Bhardwaj (2020) noted a numerical improvement (p>0.05) in calcium digestibility with moringa supplementation, where broilers receiving 4% MOLM exhibited the highest digestibility (56.99%) compared to the control (53.44%) group.
       
The phosphorus retention (%) differences among the treatments were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, numerically higher phosphorus retention was noted in group of birds receiving 1.5% and 2% moringa leaf powder as compared to control. Similar findings were reported by Harshini et al. (2022), who noted no significant (p>0.05) differences in phosphorus retention among Kadaknath chickens fed 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Bhardwaj (2020) observed enhancement (p>0.05) in phosphorus digestibility in broilers supplemented with 3% Moringa oleifera leaf meal (68.70%), which was higher than control (64.81%) group.
 
Carcass characteristics
 
The recorded values for various carcass characteristics of  broiler fed diet inclusion different level of Moringa oleifera powder are presented in Table 8.

Table 8: Carcass characteristics and organ % of live weight of experimental broilers at the end of experiment.


       
The average dressing percentage (%) of commercial broiler chicken at the end of experiment was significantly higher in 1.0 and 1.5 % MOLP inclusion groups (p<0.05). The present findings corroborate the observations of Shabnam (2023) and Meel and Sharma (2021), who recorded the significantly highest dressing percentage in broilers fed a 5% MOLM pelleted diet and 1.5% moringa inclusion level, respectively. Hafsa et al., (2019) and Sarker et al., (2017) found that inclusion of moringa leaf meal at 1% and 0.5%, respectively, significantly (p<0.05) enhanced dressing yield as compared to control diets. Contradictory to the current results, Nantapo et al., (2024) observed a decline (p<0.05) in dressing percentage with increasing levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder. The relative weights of organs (%) such as liver, heart, gizzard and giblet were statistically non-significant among the treatment groups as compared to the control group (Table 8). The present findings for liver weight percentage are in agreement with Hafsa et al., (2019) and Dey and Sarathi (2013), who found non-significant (p>0.05) differences in liver weight (%) among broilers fed 0.25-5% moringa leaf meal. Similarly, Akib et al., (2024) observed that supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder at 100 mg/kg diet did not significantly (p>0.05) influence liver weight percentage compared to control and antibiotic-fed groups. In contrast, Shabnam (2023) reported a significant increase (p<0.05) in relative liver weight in birds fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in pelleted form. Sarker et al., (2017) also observed significant increases (p<0.05) in liver weight percentage at inclusion levels ranging from 0.5-2% moringa leaf meal compared to the control group. The present findings for heart weight percentage are comparable with the reports of Antyev et al., (2020) and Hafsa et al., (2019), who observed non-significant (p>0.05) differences in heart weight (%) among treatment groups. However, Bhardwaj (2020) reported significantly increased (p<0.05) heart percentage in broilers supplemented with 1% moringa leaf meal compared to the control. The relative gizzard weight (%) did not differ significantly among treatments in the present study, which is in accordance with Akib et al., (2024), who observed no significant (p>0.05) variation in gizzard percentage among birds fed diets containing 100 mg/kg moringa leaf powder or antibiotics. Contrary to the present findings, Nantapo et al., (2024) observed significantly higher (p<0.05) gizzard percentage in broilers fed 5% moringa leaf powder. Likewise, Shabnam (2023) reported a significantly higher (p<0.05) gizzard percentage of 2.41% in birds fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in pelleted form compared to 2.11% in the basal diet group. The giblet percentage was also statistically non-significant among treatments. Similar observations were reported by Verma (2021), who found no significant (p>0.05) variation in giblet percentage ranging from 4.49-4.78% of live weight with 1-2% MOLP supplementation. In contrast, Shabnam (2023) reported significantly higher (p<0.05) giblet percentage in broilers fed 5% MOLM in pelleted form (6.91%) compared to the control group (6.14%). Bhardwaj (2020) also observed significantly higher (p<0.05) giblet percentage at 1% MOLM supplementation (6.33%), whereas intermediate and higher levels were statistically comparable to the control. The abdominal fat percentage expressed on live weight basis showed significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments, with birds in the 1.5 and 2.0% MOLP inclusion groups recording lower abdominal fat percentages. Comparable findings were documented by Nantapo et al., (2024), who reported a significant reduction (p<0.05) in abdominal fat percentage in broilers fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Similarly, Akib et al., (2024) observed a significant decline (p<0.05) in abdominal fat percentage in birds supplemented with 100 mg/kg moringa leaf powder compared with the control and antibiotic-fed groups. In contrast, Balarabe et al., (2021) found no significant (p>0.05) variation in abdominal fat percentage across treatments containing up to 21% moringa leaf meal. Likewise, Vedendar (2018) reported non-significant (p>0.05) differences in fat deposition among broilers supplemented with 0.25-0.75% moringa under heat stress conditions.

CONCLUSION

Dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) significantly improved crude fiber and crude protein retention, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus balance, with the highest values observed at 1.5% inclusion (p<0.05); additionally, dressing percentage was significantly higher in birds fed 1% and 1.5% MOLP, while abdominal fat percentage (live weight basis) was significantly reduced in the 1.5% and 2% MOLP groups.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We are grateful to the authorities of Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar and Principal, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., KU, Anand for the facilities and fund extended for this research work.
 
Disclaimers
 
The views and conclusions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their affiliated institutions. The authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, but do not accept any liability for any direct or indirect losses resulting from the use of this content.
 
Informed consent
 
All animal procedures for experiments were approved by the Committee of Experimental Animal care and handling techniques were approved by the University of Animal Care Committee.

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article. No funding or sponsorship influenced the design of the study, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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  33. Vedendar, G.P. (2018). Effect of Supplementation of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on Performance and Antioxidant Activity to Alleviate Heat Stress in Broilers (M.V.Sc Thesis, PVNR Telangana Veterinary University). http://krishikosh. egranth.ac.in/handle /1/5810061156.

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  35. Verma, A.K., Pramanik, P.S., Verma, M.K., Maurya, P.K., Singh, K.D., Kumar, S. and Gautam, S. (2025). Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on performance, hemato-biochemical parameters and economics of broiler production. Indian Journal of Animal Research. 1-6. doi: 10.18805/IJAR.B-5525.
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    Full Research Article

    Effect of Dietary Inclusion of Moringa oleifera Leaf Powder on Nutrient Balance, Nutrient Retention and Carcass Characteristics of Commercial Broiler Chicken

    R
    Rutvi U. Patel1
    0009-0003-5548-9640
    M
    Makbul A. Shekh2,*
    S
    Safimahmad G. Vahora1
    N
    Nayan H. Raval1
    0009-0004-4736-0385
    U
    Utsav M. Patel1
    1Department of Animal Nutrition, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand-388 001, Gujarat, India.
    2Pashupalan Sanshodhan Kendra, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Ramna Muvada- 387 335, Gujarat, India.

    ABSTRACT

    Background: Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) is rich in nutrients and bioactive compounds that may enhance nutrient utilization and carcass quality in broiler chickens. However, its optimal inclusion level in broiler diets requires scientific evaluation. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the effect of dietary incorporation of MOLP on nutrient balance, nutrient retention and carcass traits of broiler chickens.

    Methods: A total of 160 day-old broiler chicks were randomly allocated to five dietary treatments under a completely randomized design: T1 (0% MOLP), T2 (0.5% MOLP), T3 (1%), T4 (1.5%) and T5 (2%). Birds were reared for 42 days during starter, grower and finisher phases and fed diets formulated as per BIS standards. Nitrogen, phosphorus and calcium balance, nutrient retention and carcass characteristics were evaluated. Data were analysed using SPSS 27.0.

    Result: Nitrogen and phosphorus balance were significantly higher (p<0.05) in T4 compared to control, while calcium balance showed no significant difference (p>0.05). Crude protein and crude fibre retention were significantly improved (p<0.05) with MOLP inclusion, whereas dry matter, organic matter, crude fat, calcium and phosphorus retention remained unaffected (p>0.05). Dressing percentage was significantly higher (p<0.05) in T3 and T4 compared to control. Abdominal fat percentage was significantly reduced (p<0.05) in T4  and T5, indicating leaner carcass composition. Giblet yield and organ weights were not influenced (p>0.05) by dietary treatments. Overall, inclusion of MOLP at 1.5% improved nutrient utilization and carcass characteristics without adverse effects.

    INTRODUCTION

    Poultry farming plays a crucial socio-economic role in many developing countries, as chicken meat provides an affordable and accessible source of high-quality animal protein (Olwande et al., 2010; Melesse et al., 2013). In broiler production, feed represents nearly 60-70% of the total cost, making it the most influential component affecting both productivity and product quality (Biswas et al., 2015). However, the rising price of conventional feed ingredients poses a persistent challenge for producers in these regions. Ensuring profitability therefore requires strategies that enhance feed efficiency and lower feeding expenses. Animal scientists are now searching safe and natural alternatives of antibiotics such as phytobiotic. Plants contain phytonutrients and phytochemicals, which are beneficial for animal growth and overall health (Verma et al., 2025). Supplementation of commercial herbal growth promoters improved the final body weight, growth rate, better feed conversion ratio and higher gross profit per birds (Mahanta et al., 2016).
           
    Moringa oleifera    , widely known as the “drumstick tree” or “horseradish tree” (called Saragavo in Gujarati and Saijna in Hindi), originates from South Asia, particularly India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan and is also found across Northeastern and Southwestern Africa, Madagascar and the Arabian region (Fahey, 2005; Aregheore, 2002). This plant is recognized for its exceptional nutritional value, being rich in proteins, vitamins, essential amino acids, minerals and various phenolic compounds. Notably, it contains very low levels of antinutritional factors such as tannins, saponins, trypsin inhibitors and phytates (Makkar and Becker, 1996; Kumar et al., 2010). The leaves are abundant in natural antioxidants, including vitamin C, tocopherols, flavonoids and other phenolic constituents, which function by neutralizing free radicals, stimulating antioxidant enzyme activity and inhibiting oxidase reactions (Siddhuraju and Becker, 2003; Luqman et al., 2012).                               

    Studies have demonstrated beneficial effects on moringa supplementation enhances the digestibility of nutrients such as crude protein, ether extract and fiber (Londhe, 2022) and carcass characteristics, such as increased dressing percentage and breast muscle yield, indicating efficient nutrient utilization and muscle development (Nantapo et al., 2024; Akib et al., 2024). Therefore, the present study is designed to evaluate the effect of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf powder @ 0.5%, 1%, 1.5%, 2% into the diets of commercial broilers.

    MATERIALS AND METHODS

    The experimental trial to assess growth performance and to conduct the metabolic trial was undertaken at the Poultry Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat. The laboratory analyses were performed at the Animal Nutrition Research Station, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Kamdhenu University, Anand, Gujarat. The present experiment was carried out during the year 2025-26. A total of 160 day-old commercial broiler chicks were procured from Venky’s (India) Ltd., Anand, Gujarat. Each chick was wing-banded, weighed and randomly allocated to five groups. The 160 chicks were divided equally among the five treatments, each having four replicates with eight birds per replicate. The experimental diets were offered for six weeks in starter (0-10 days), grower (11-21 days) and finisher (22-42 days) phases. Ethical approval (No: 452/AN/24) for conducting the experiment was obtained from the Institutional Animal Ethics Committee, College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, KU, Anand, Gujarat, India. The chemical composition of different feed ingredients used during the study is presented in Table 1. Based on these nutrient values, five iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous diets (T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5) were formulated by incorporating graded levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) into the basal ration according to BIS (2024) feeding standards, as presented in Table 2, 3 and 4 respectively.
     

    Table 1: Chemical composition of different feed ingredients and experimental diet.



    Table 2: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in starter diet.



    Table 3: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in grower diet.



    Table 4: Proportion of feed ingredients (%) used in finisher diet.



    Source and processing of MOLP
     
    Locally available Moringa oleifera leaves were utilized for the experiment. Fresh leaves were collected from the trees and air-dried indoors on papers until they became crisp to maintaining their natural green coloration. After drying, the leaves were ground and sieved through a 1-3 mm mesh to obtain Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP), which served for inclusion in the experimental feed. The prepared MOLP was incorporated into the feed at the T1 (0.0% MOLP), T2  (0.5% MOLP), T3 (1.0%), T4 (1.5%) and T5 (2.0%), respectively for the different dietary treatments.
     
    Management of birds
     
    Broiler chicks were reared in an open-sided deep litter housing system under strict hygienic and biosecurity conditions. The experimental house and equipment were thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and fumigated prior to chick placement. Brooding temperature was maintained at 95°F during the first week and gradually reduced by 5°F per week until reaching 75°F. Birds were housed in compartmentalized pens with adequate floor space provided according to age. Rice husk was used as litter material and stirred regularly to prevent caking and to promote aeration. Moist or caked areas are replaced with fresh, dry litter when needed. Care was taken to avoid water spillage into the litter. All necessary biosecurity measures were strictly implemented. The birds were vaccinated against major poultry diseases as per the schedule presented in Table 5.

    Table 5: Vaccination schedule.


     
    Metabolic trial
     
    A metabolic trial was conducted during the sixth week using one bird per replicate, with two days of adaptation and three days of excreta collection (Fig 1). Feed intake and excreta output were recorded to assess nutrient utilization. Thirty percent of collected excreta was preserved in sulfuric acid for nitrogen estimation, while the rest was oven-dried for dry matter analysis. Pooled excreta, feed offered and feed refusals were analyzed for proximate composition and nitrogen was determined using the Kjeldahl method (AOAC, 2000).


    Amount of nutrient consumed =
    Amount of nutrient in feed offered - Amount of nutrient  in feed residue

    Fig 1: Excreta collection during metabolic trial.

     
    Carcass characteristics
     
    On day 42, one bird per replicate was randomly selected (total 20 birds), fasted for 12 hours, weighed and slaughtered using standard procedures for carcass characteristics. Carcasses were processed and the liver, heart and gizzard were collected and weighed along with dressed weight and abdominal fat (Fig 2). Giblet weight was calculated as the sum of the three organs and dressing, organ and abdominal fat percentages were derived from pre-slaughter weights.
     

    Fig 2: Dressed carcass, giblet and abdominal fat of experimental broiler birds.



    Statistical analysis
     
    The data analyses were conducted following a Completely Randomized Design (CRD), as described by Snedecor and Cochran (2014). Means of replicates within each treatment were considered for the analysis. Statistical computations were performed using the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS, Versions 27.0) at 95% significant level using Duncan’s level of significance values.

    RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

    Balance studies
     
    The average nutrient balances (g/day/bird) of commercial broiler chicken during metabolic trial are presented in Table 6. The average nitrogen balance of the broilers fed with 1.5% moringa (T4) recorded a significantly (p<0.05) higher as compared to the control (T1), suggesting superior protein retention and utilization. The other MOLP inclusion levels were not significantly affected compared with the control group. The comparable results were documented by Londhe (2022), who reported a significant (p<0.001) improvement in daily nitrogen retention in broilers supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal. In that study, nitrogen retention (g/day) increased progressively with supplementation, being highest in the 1.5% inclusion group (T3: 4.27±0.041) compared to 4.23±0.018 (T1: 0.5%), 4.12±0.016 (T2: 1.0%) and 3.88±0.078 in the control group (T0). The average calcium balance values showed a numerical increase with rising moringa levels the difference among treatments was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The average phosphorus balance significantly higher (p<0.05) in group of birds included with 1.5% moringa (T4) in diet as compared to the control, indicating better absorption and retention of dietary available phosphorus.

    Table 6: Means of nitrogen, calcium and phosphorus balance (g/bird/day) of experimental broilers during metabolic trial.


     
    Nutrient retention
     
    The average retention values for each nutrient were computed and are summarized in Table 7.

    Table 7: Average nutrient retention (%) of experimental broilers during metabolic trial.


           
    The dry matter retention (%) of broilers showed minimal variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. These results are in line with Vedendar (2018) who observed that supplementation with 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% MOLP levels did not influence dry matter retention in Cobb broilers under heat stress. Bhardwaj (2020) reported dry matter digestibility (DMD) was significantly highest in the control group (T1, 75.95%) than all MOLM-supplemented groups. In contrast to this study, More (2016) similarly found significantly higher DM digestibility in broilers fed 3% MOLM (76.92±0.82%) compared to the control (70.55±0.92%) group.
           
    The organic matter retention (%) of broilers showed non-significant variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. The data reported in the present study concerned with organic matter retention corroborate with the findings of More (2016), who reported non-significant differences (p>0.05) in OM digestibility among broilers fed diets supplemented with 1% (72.45±0.61), 2% (73.14±0.99), 3% (73.16±0.59) MOLM and control group (71.59± 0.87). On the other hand, Siti et al., (2019) reported improved (p<0.05) OM digestibility in laying hens supplemented with 4% and 6% MOLP, recording 85.27% and 85.47%, respectively. Similarly, Abou-Elezz et al. (2012) reported a progressive decline (p<0.001) in OM digestibility in Rhode Island Red hens with increasing levels of MOLM 0%, 5%, 10% and 15%.
           
    The crude fat retention (%) of broilers showed non-significant variation (p>0.05) among different dietary treatments. Similar findings were reported by Vedendar (2018), who observed that the inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder @ 0.25, 0.5 and 0.75% in broiler diets during heat stress conditions did not significantly (p>0.05) influence the retention of ether extract. Unlike the present results, Londhe (2022) reported a significant (p<0.05) enhancement in ether extract retention and digestibility in broilers supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal at 0.5, 1 and 1.5% levels. Likewise, Oghenebrorhie and Oghenesuvwe (2016) reported a significant (p<0.001) decline in ether extract in broilers fed 10% MOLM.
           
    The crude fiber retention (%) were 38.86±2.21, 41.35±1.55, 41.13±1.18, 48.40±2.63 and 39.57±2.23 for T1 (0%), T2  (0.5%), T3  (1%), T4  (1.5%) and T5 (2% MOLP inclusion), respectively. The birds fed with 1.5% moringa (T4) showed a significantly higher (p<0.05) crude fiber retention than the control, while T2, T3  and T5 were found to be at par with control. The results obtained in this study for crude fiber retention corroborate the findings of Londhe (2022), who noted a significant (p<0.001) increase in crude fiber digestibility in broilers fed diets supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Likewise, Bhardwaj (2020) observed variable (p<0.05) effects on fiber digestibility where birds fed 2% and 3% MOLM. In disagreement with the current study, Oghenebrorhie and Oghenesuvwe (2016) found a significant (p<0.05) decline in crude fiber digestibility with higher moringa supplementation levels at 8% and 10% inclusion. Similarly, Sebola et al. (2019) found that higher levels of MOLM resulted in significantly (p<0.05) lower values across all strains compared to the control diet.
           
    The crude protein retention (%) was measured as 64.46±2.71, 68.93±4.25, 66.73±2.82, 78.01±2.09 and 70.21±1.72 for T1, T2, T3, T4 and T5, respectively. A significant difference (p<0.05) was observed in protein retention of T4  group (1.5%) as compared to the control group, while T2‚  (0.5%), T3 (1%) and T5 (2%) showed numerical improvement (p>0.05) over control group. These findings are in agreement with Jan et al. (2025), who reported that Ross 308 broiler birds supplemented with Moringa oleifera leaf extract (MOLE) in drinking water @ 120ml/liter (70.28%) showed significantly (p<0.05) highest CP digestibility as compared to the control (66.37%) group. Oppositely, Bhardwaj (2020) reported that crude protein digestibility (CPD) in control group was significantly higher than moringa supplementation groups. More (2016) and Gakuya et al. (2014) also reported non-significant (p>0.05) differences in CP digestibility with the MOLM supplementation at levels 1, 2, 3% and 7.5, 15, 30%, respectively.
           
    Overall calcium metabolizable (%) remained comparable (p>0.05) across all groups, indicating that moringa inclusion had no marked influence on calcium utilization efficiency. The consistent results for calcium retention were reported by Harshini et al. (2022), who observed no significant (p>0.05) variation in calcium retention (%) among Kadaknath chickens fed diets containing 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% dried Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Similarly, Bhardwaj (2020) noted a numerical improvement (p>0.05) in calcium digestibility with moringa supplementation, where broilers receiving 4% MOLM exhibited the highest digestibility (56.99%) compared to the control (53.44%) group.
           
    The phosphorus retention (%) differences among the treatments were not statistically significant (p>0.05). However, numerically higher phosphorus retention was noted in group of birds receiving 1.5% and 2% moringa leaf powder as compared to control. Similar findings were reported by Harshini et al. (2022), who noted no significant (p>0.05) differences in phosphorus retention among Kadaknath chickens fed 0%, 5%, 10% and 15% Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Bhardwaj (2020) observed enhancement (p>0.05) in phosphorus digestibility in broilers supplemented with 3% Moringa oleifera leaf meal (68.70%), which was higher than control (64.81%) group.
     
    Carcass characteristics
     
    The recorded values for various carcass characteristics of  broiler fed diet inclusion different level of Moringa oleifera powder are presented in Table 8.

    Table 8: Carcass characteristics and organ % of live weight of experimental broilers at the end of experiment.


           
    The average dressing percentage (%) of commercial broiler chicken at the end of experiment was significantly higher in 1.0 and 1.5 % MOLP inclusion groups (p<0.05). The present findings corroborate the observations of Shabnam (2023) and Meel and Sharma (2021), who recorded the significantly highest dressing percentage in broilers fed a 5% MOLM pelleted diet and 1.5% moringa inclusion level, respectively. Hafsa et al., (2019) and Sarker et al., (2017) found that inclusion of moringa leaf meal at 1% and 0.5%, respectively, significantly (p<0.05) enhanced dressing yield as compared to control diets. Contradictory to the current results, Nantapo et al., (2024) observed a decline (p<0.05) in dressing percentage with increasing levels of Moringa oleifera leaf powder. The relative weights of organs (%) such as liver, heart, gizzard and giblet were statistically non-significant among the treatment groups as compared to the control group (Table 8). The present findings for liver weight percentage are in agreement with Hafsa et al., (2019) and Dey and Sarathi (2013), who found non-significant (p>0.05) differences in liver weight (%) among broilers fed 0.25-5% moringa leaf meal. Similarly, Akib et al., (2024) observed that supplementation of Moringa oleifera leaf powder at 100 mg/kg diet did not significantly (p>0.05) influence liver weight percentage compared to control and antibiotic-fed groups. In contrast, Shabnam (2023) reported a significant increase (p<0.05) in relative liver weight in birds fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in pelleted form. Sarker et al., (2017) also observed significant increases (p<0.05) in liver weight percentage at inclusion levels ranging from 0.5-2% moringa leaf meal compared to the control group. The present findings for heart weight percentage are comparable with the reports of Antyev et al., (2020) and Hafsa et al., (2019), who observed non-significant (p>0.05) differences in heart weight (%) among treatment groups. However, Bhardwaj (2020) reported significantly increased (p<0.05) heart percentage in broilers supplemented with 1% moringa leaf meal compared to the control. The relative gizzard weight (%) did not differ significantly among treatments in the present study, which is in accordance with Akib et al., (2024), who observed no significant (p>0.05) variation in gizzard percentage among birds fed diets containing 100 mg/kg moringa leaf powder or antibiotics. Contrary to the present findings, Nantapo et al., (2024) observed significantly higher (p<0.05) gizzard percentage in broilers fed 5% moringa leaf powder. Likewise, Shabnam (2023) reported a significantly higher (p<0.05) gizzard percentage of 2.41% in birds fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf meal in pelleted form compared to 2.11% in the basal diet group. The giblet percentage was also statistically non-significant among treatments. Similar observations were reported by Verma (2021), who found no significant (p>0.05) variation in giblet percentage ranging from 4.49-4.78% of live weight with 1-2% MOLP supplementation. In contrast, Shabnam (2023) reported significantly higher (p<0.05) giblet percentage in broilers fed 5% MOLM in pelleted form (6.91%) compared to the control group (6.14%). Bhardwaj (2020) also observed significantly higher (p<0.05) giblet percentage at 1% MOLM supplementation (6.33%), whereas intermediate and higher levels were statistically comparable to the control. The abdominal fat percentage expressed on live weight basis showed significant differences (p<0.05) among treatments, with birds in the 1.5 and 2.0% MOLP inclusion groups recording lower abdominal fat percentages. Comparable findings were documented by Nantapo et al., (2024), who reported a significant reduction (p<0.05) in abdominal fat percentage in broilers fed 5% Moringa oleifera leaf powder. Similarly, Akib et al., (2024) observed a significant decline (p<0.05) in abdominal fat percentage in birds supplemented with 100 mg/kg moringa leaf powder compared with the control and antibiotic-fed groups. In contrast, Balarabe et al., (2021) found no significant (p>0.05) variation in abdominal fat percentage across treatments containing up to 21% moringa leaf meal. Likewise, Vedendar (2018) reported non-significant (p>0.05) differences in fat deposition among broilers supplemented with 0.25-0.75% moringa under heat stress conditions.

    CONCLUSION

    Dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) significantly improved crude fiber and crude protein retention, as well as nitrogen and phosphorus balance, with the highest values observed at 1.5% inclusion (p<0.05); additionally, dressing percentage was significantly higher in birds fed 1% and 1.5% MOLP, while abdominal fat percentage (live weight basis) was significantly reduced in the 1.5% and 2% MOLP groups.

    ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

    We are grateful to the authorities of Kamdhenu University, Gandhinagar and Principal, College of Veterinary Science and A.H., KU, Anand for the facilities and fund extended for this research work.
     
    Disclaimers
     
    The views and conclusions expressed in this article are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views of their affiliated institutions. The authors are responsible for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided, but do not accept any liability for any direct or indirect losses resulting from the use of this content.
     
    Informed consent
     
    All animal procedures for experiments were approved by the Committee of Experimental Animal care and handling techniques were approved by the University of Animal Care Committee.

    CONFLICT OF INTEREST

    The authors declare that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article. No funding or sponsorship influenced the design of the study, data collection, analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

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