Tikrit Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Effects of Moringa oleifera intake and Chelated Mineral Supplements Compared to Soybean-Based Diet on Growth Performance, Milk Production, and Immune Status in Goats

https://doi.org/10.25130/tjas.2026.2026.1585
Volume 26, Issue 2
Spring 2026
Pages 284-298
Tikrit Journal for Agricultural Sciences

Document Type : Articles

Authors

Mohammed A. Amean 1
Mohammed S. Al-azzawi 2
Hira Tazeen 3
Syed Sibt E Hassan 3
Rana Mehroz Fazal 4

1 Animal Production Department, College of Agriculture, Tikrit University, Tikrit ,Iraq.

2 Accreditation Department, Supervision and Scientific Evaluation Authority, Baghdad, Iraq

3 School of Life Science, Shanxi University, China

4 Ghazi University, Dera Ghazi Khan

Abstract
This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera with chelated minerals and a soybean-based diet on growth performance, milk production, and immune status in goats. A total of 45 goats were divided into three groups and fed for 90 days. Growth performance improved significantly in supplemented groups, with the highest final body weight recorded in the Moringa + mineral group (42.78 kg) compared to the control (32.37 kg; p = 0.007). Similarly, body weight gain was highest in this group (22.58 kg), indicating better nutrient utilization (p = 0.005). In contrast, the soybean-based diet resulted in the highest muscle mass index and improved muscle development. Milk production was significantly enhanced, with the highest yield observed in the soybean group compared to the control. Milk fat increased from 3.7% in the control to 4.4% in the supplemented groups, while total solids reached a maximum of 13.1%, indicating improved milk quality. Immune response and health status were markedly improved in the treated groups. Disease incidence decreased from 23.1% in the control to 7.6% in the soybean group (p = 0.005). Antibody response was highest in supplemented goats. Stress and inflammation markers were reduced, with cortisol declining to 17.6 ng/mL and CRP to 4.1 mg/L compared to higher values in the control group (p ≤ 0.006). In conclusion, Moringa with chelated minerals mainly enhanced growth and immunity, whereas the soybean-based diet improved milk production and muscle development, highlighting their complementary benefits in goat production.

Keywords

Fat protein
Body condition score
Moringa oleifera
Antibody
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