Effect of Supplementing Moringa (Moringa Oleifera) Leaves Meal to Quail Diets on Productive Performance

Oday k. Hamad1, Gaafar M. El- Gendi2, Osama H. El-Garhy3*and Tareq K. Aljumaili4

Abstract

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of dietary supplementation of M. oleifera leaves meal (MOLM) as natural growth promoter on the productive performance of quail birds. A total number of 180 unsexed one week old Japanese quail chicks with nearly similar initial average weight were used in this study. Chicks were randomly distributed into four experimental groups each of 45 birds in 3 replicates each of 15 birds. Chicks of the 1st experimental group were fed on the basal diet (without additives) and considered as the control group. Chicks of the 2nd, 3rd and 4th experimental groups were fed the basal diets supplemented with MOLM at levels of 3, 6 and 9 g/kg diet, respectively. Results obtained revealed significant variation (p<0.05) in averages of body weight (LBW), body weight gain (BWG), growth rate (GR), feed conversion (FC), carcass traits, mortality rate and relative economical efficiency (REE). The highest significant improvements in LBW, BWG, GR, FC, PI, carcass traits, REE and lower mortality rate were observed in the group of chicks that fed on diet supplemented with MOLM at a level of 6 g/kg diet, followed by those fed diet supplemented with MOLM 3 g/kg diet by then those fed diet supplemented with 9 g/ kg diet. However, chicks fed control diet showed lower averages of LBW, BWG, GR, FC, PI, carcass traits and higher mortality rate. From the economical point of view, it could be recommended to use MOLM at a level of 6 and 3 g/ kg diet, respectively to improve the productive performance and economical efficiency of quails.

Key words

Quails, Moringa, growth performance, economical efficiency.