Laying Performance, Yolk Cholesterol, Serum Lipid Profile and Haematological Response of Layer Hens Fed Diet Containing Moringa Leaf Meal and Garlic Powder as Feed Additive

Abstract

The aim of the research was to determine the laying performance, yolk cholesterol, serum lipid profile and haematological response of hens fed a diet containing moringa leaf meal and garlic powder as feed additives. A total of 220 (18 w) Isa brown hens weighing 1.91-1.94 kg at the point of first lay were allotted to 4 treatment groups in a completely randomized design with 5 replicates of 11 birds each. T1: 0 g moringa leaf meal + 0 g garlic powder kg-1, T2: 0 g garlic powder +50 g moringa leaf meal kg-1, T3: 50 g garlic powder+ 0 g moringa leaf meal kg-1, T4: 50 g moringa leaf meal +50 g garlic powder kg-1. From the results, hen day egg production improved significantly higher in treatment 3 compared to other treatment groups. Treatment 4 had the highest (p<0.05) value for egg weight among the treatments. Yolk cholesterol, serum cholesterol, serum triglyceride and low-density lipoprotein values were higher (p<0.05) in T1 compared to treatment groups. High density lipoprotein values of T2 and T4 were the same (p>0.05), but higher (p<0.05) than the values recorded in T1 and T3. Haematological values such as RBC and WBC improved significantly in the treatment groups compared to control group (T1). This showed that the immunity of the birds was not compromised. In conclusion, since, hen day egg production reduced significantly with the combination of moringa and garlic, it was, recommended that T3 can be included in diet of hens for improved laying performance.