Document Type : Articles
Authors
1 College of Veterinary Medicine, Tikrit University, Iraq
2 Department of Animal Production, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Iraq
3 Office of Agricultural Researches, Ministry of Agriculture, Iraq
Abstract
A recent experimental study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on hematological parameters, blood biochemical indices, and productive performance in female turkey poults (Meleagris gallopavo). A total of 36 clinically healthy turkey hens, aged 26 weeks, were acquired and reared under controlled environmental and managerial conditions throughout the study period. The birds were randomly allocated into four dietary treatment groups: Group A (control, 0% Moringa), Group B (1% inclusion), Group C (1.5%), and Group D (2%), with three replicates per treatment and three birds per replicate.
Hematological parameters evaluated included red blood cell count (RBC), hemoglobin concentration (Hb), packed cell volume (PCV), and total and differential leukocyte counts. Blood biochemical indices such as total protein, albumin, globulin, glucose, cholesterol, and liver enzyme activities (ALT and AST) were also measured. Productive performance indicators—live body weight, weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio (FCR)—were monitored throughout the trial.
Data were statistically analyzed using one-way ANOVA, followed by Duncan’s multiple range test to determine significant differences (p < 0.05) among treatment means. The results demonstrated that dietary supplementation with Moringa oleifera leaf meal significantly improved several hematological and biochemical parameters, indicating enhanced physiological status and immune competence. Moreover, the inclusion of Moringa leaf meal positively affected growth performance, with Group D (2% Moringa) showing the most favorable outcomes across all production traits.
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