Effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder and turmeric powder on carcass composition and meat quality of broiler chickens
Authors: Limbe IO ,   Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Tanganyika J , Safalaoh A ,   Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources,   Lilongwe University of Agriculture and Natural Resources
Published: July 2024

The escalating demand for animal products has led to widespread antibiotics usage in broiler diets to maintain health and productivity. However, concerns regarding the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, potential negative impacts on animal welfare and public health, and consumer preferences for natural alternatives have driven the search for safer and more sustainable approaches. This study aimed to investigate the potential of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) and turmeric powder (TP) as antibiotic growth promoter alternatives in broiler chickens, focusing on their impact on performance, carcass characteristics, and meat quality. In a 3x3 factorial experiment, 360 Cobb-500 broilers were allocated to nine treatment groups receiving varying dietary levels of MOLP (0%, 1%, 2%) and TP (0%, 0.25%, 0.5%). Additionally, a separate experiment with 80 birds evaluated the effects of flavomycin supplementation (0.1%) compared to a control group. The results demonstrated that MOLP supplementation significantly increased key performance parameters, including feed intake, body weight gain, final body weight, and production efficiency factor, particularly at the 2% inclusion level. TP supplementation did not significantly influence overall growth performance. Flavomycin, as a positive control, significantly improved final body weights compared to the control group. Interestingly, significant interactions were observed between MOLP and TP, influencing specific aspects of carcass composition and meat quality. Combined supplementation significantly affected liver yield and meat flavour, suggesting potential synergistic effects. However, no significant impacts were observed on other carcass composition parameters, physical meat measurements (colour, drip loss, cooking loss), or sensory attributes (appearance, juiciness, tenderness). Notably, supplementation with 2% MOLP increased dressed weight and breast yield while simultaneously reducing meat redness. Additionally, 0.5% TP supplementation significantly increased gizzard yield, indicating potential benefits for digestive function. Flavomycin supplementation did not significantly influence any carcass composition, physical, or sensory parameters. These findings offer promising evidence that MOLP and TP can be incorporated into broiler diets at levels up to 2% and 0.5%, respectively, as viable alternatives to antibiotic growth promoters. MOLP and TP demonstrated the potential to enhance broiler performance, influence specific carcass and meat quality attributes without compromising overall quality, and promote specific physiological processes like gizzard development. Further research is encouraged to explore the long-term effects of these additives, optimize their inclusion levels for specific benefits, and investigate their potential impact on broiler health and disease resistance. Key words: Antibiotic alternatives, Broiler Meat, Moringa, Performance, Phytobiotics, Turmeric