| Abstrakt: |
The research investigates the impact of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) supplementation on broilers subjected to dexamethasone-induced stress. A total of 200-day old chicks were divided into five groups (A, B, C, D and E), each group having four replicates (ten chicks/replica). Negative control group (A) received only basal diet, positive control group (B) given dexamethasone (day 21st onward) in basal diet, group C, D, and E received 0.8%, 1.2%, and 1.6% MOLP respectively. Results indicate that significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements in liver health, evidenced by decreased levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphate (ALP) in MOLP-treated groups, urea and creatinine levels remained non-significant. Significant alterations in gut microbiota composition, with positive (P ≤ 0.05) changes in Escherichia coli, Bifidobacteria, and Lactobacilli in MOLP-treated birds, indicated potential benefits for gut health. Mineral content analysis revealed higher (P ≤ 0.05) phosphorus % in MOLP-administered groups, ash% and Ca% were non-significant. Bone morphological parameter demonstrated significant (P ≤ 0.05) improvements in tibia length, body weight, tibiotarsal index and weight/length index in 1.2% and 1.6% MOLP groups, diaphysis diameter, medullary canal diameter, medial wall diameter, lateral wall diameter and robusticity index of tibial bones were non-significant. MOLP supplements significantly (P ≤ 0.05) changed muscle fascicle diameter and muscle fascicle cross-sectional area, while muscle fiber diameter, muscle fiber cross-sectional area and muscle fiber density were remained non-significant. It was concluded that up to 1.6% MOLP in broiler feed improves broilers health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR] |
