EGG QUALITY OF LOCAL FEMALE TURKEYS ADMINISTERED AQUEOUS MORINGA OLERIFERA LEAF AND SEED EXTRACTS.

Abstract

A total of two hundred and twelve (212) days trial was conducted to evaluate the effect of Moringa olerifera leaf and seed extracts on egg qualities of female local turkeys. A total of 36 female local turkeys of about 8 - 9 weeks old were used for the study. There were nine turkeys per treatment group, grouped as; T1 (control no extract), T2 (1% seed w/v), T3 (0.5% leaf and 0.5% w/v) and T4 (1% leaf w/v). Each group was replicated three times with three turkeys per replicate. Data collection was done on the external and internal qualities of the egg as well number of eggs laid during the trial period. On the external egg qualities, only the shell weight and the shape index differed significantly (P < 0.05). The weight of the shell was improved by the administration of Moringa extract. All the internal egg qualities (percent shell, yolk weight (g), yolk diameter (mm), yolk depth) did not differ significantly (P>0.05). Egg lying was highest in T3 while T2 (122) had the least number of egg. Therefore, from the results of the experiment, it could be safe to say that the egg quality were not affected by the Moringa per se, but the egg lying ability was improve most by combination of the leaf and seed extracts.