EFFECT OF AQUEOUS ADMINISTRATION OF MORINGA OLERIFERA LEAF AND SEED EXTRACTS ON THE GROWTH PHYSIOLOGY OF LOCAL MALE TURKEYS.

Abstract

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of Moringa olerifera leaf and seed extracts on the growth physiology of male turkeys. A total of 36 turkeys of about 8 – 9 weeks were used. There were nine turkeys per treatment groups, grouped as; T1 (control) T2 (1% leaf w/v) T2 (0.5% leaf and 0.5% seed w/v) and T4 (1% w/v) Each group was replicated three times with three turkeys per replicate. The study latest for 154 days with all routine management practices duly observed. Data were collected from body weight gain, feed intake, feed conversion efficiency, carcass cut part weight, viseromatic index on the internal organ weights. The result of the experiment showed that, average final body weights were improved significantly (P<0.05) by the administration of Moringa extracts with T4 (6.20 ± 0.02a ) having the highest weight. Feed efficiency was also better (P<0.05) among the Moringa administration group than the control with the T4 (3.90 ± 0.00c ) been most efficient. The viscera-somatic index differed significantly (P<0.05) in the mean percentage size of the pancreas, gizzard and gall bladder only, but did not take adequate pattern that can be attributed to the Moringa. The cut parts were greater (P<0.05) quarter thigh weight(kg) and asymmetry half carcass cut(kg) which are prime cut parts. These differences were higher among the Moringa extract group.In conclusion, Moringa seed and leaf extracts improved the growth on male local turkeys with the leaf extract alone (T4 1% w/v) giving the best results.