Abstract

Background:
Moringa oleifera is a nutrient-rich plant widely explored for its potential as a natural feed additive in poultry due to its antioxidant, antimicrobial, and immunomodulatory properties. Incorporating Moringa leaf meal into laying hen diets may influence feed efficiency, egg quality, and immune-metabolic responses, warranting comprehensive in vivo and ex vivo investigations.

Aim:
This study investigated the impact of incorporating Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) into the diets of laying hens on egg productivity, egg characteristics, antioxidant capacity, immune response, and tissue morphology.

Methods:
Over an 8-week period, 40 30-week-old Hy-Line Brown layers were randomly distributed into four dietary groups (10 birds per group) and received nutritionally balanced diets with MOLM supplementation levels of 0%, 2.5%, 5.0%, or 7.5%. The key performance indicators, including feed intake, egg production, egg weight, and FCR, were recorded weekly. Egg quality traits and antioxidant parameters in liver and intestinal tissues were assessed along with pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and histopathological scoring.

Results:
Inclusion of 7.5% MOLM significantly improved egg production (86.5%), egg weight (60.1 g ±desert), and FCR (2.04), compared with the control group (p < 0.05). Egg quality traits, including shell thickness, yolk pigmentation, Haugh unit, and albumen height, were enhanced in the MOLM-supplemented groups, particularly at 7.5.0% inclusion. A marked increase (p < 0.01) in the activity of key antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and GPx) was observed in liver and intestinal tissues, accompanied by a decline in MDA levels, reflecting an improved oxidative state. Furthermore, MOLM supplementation resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α). The greatest reduction was observed at the 5.0% inclusion level. Histopathological evaluations corroborated these findings, revealing significantly reduced inflammation and oxidative damage scores, particularly in the group with 7.5% MOLM.

Conclusion:
Incorporating MOLM into the diet significantly improved laying hens’ performance, enhanced egg quality, boosted antioxidant capacity, and positively influenced immune responses. These findings highlight the value of MOLM as a natural phytogenic additive with potential benefits for enhancing poultry productivity and overall health.

Key words: Moringa oleifera leaf meal; Laying hens; Antioxidant enzymes; Cytokines; Immune modulation.