Influence of Moringa oleifera leaves as a feed additive during the late laying period of laying hens on performance, mineral status and biochemical parameters

Long-term laying in hens results in significant bone depletion, thereby severely affecting welfare and productivity. This study analyzed the efficacy of Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) for laying hens in their second phase of production. Six hundred Isa Brown hens (56-week-old) were allocated to three dietary treatments (0%, 1% and 3% MOLM supplementation). Weekly, feed intake, egg-laying rate, feed conversion ratio (FCR), yolk colour and egg component ratios were measured. Blood samples were collected at 70 weeks of age for biochemical parameter analysis. Results showed that feed intake was reduced (p < 0.05) in birds fed 3% MOLM. Hens on a 1% MOLM diet showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in egg-laying rate, serum albumin and calcium levels relative to controls. The MOLM diets elicited similar levels of serum total protein, triglycerides and cholesterol, all of which were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than the control group. Increasing Moringa levels significantly intensified yolk colour (p < 0.05) while other egg quality parameters remained unaffected across treatment groups. The 1% MOLM diet significantly improved the FCR compared to the control group. To conclude, supplementing late-laying period layers with 1% Moringa oleifera leaves increased serum calcium, albumin and egg production, while 3% significantly boosted yolk colouration.