Effect of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf powder supplementation on growth performance and intestinal morphology in broiler chickens

Researchers investigated whether Moringa oleifera leaf powder could serve as a natural alternative to antibiotics in broiler chicken feed, focusing on growth performance and intestinal health. The study tested 100 day-old broiler chicks divided into five groups, feeding them either a standard corn-based diet or the same diet supplemented with varying concentrations of moringa leaf powder (0.6%, 0.9%, 1.2%, and 1.5%) over 35 days. The most significant results emerged with the 1.2% supplementation level, which produced higher body weight, increased small intestine length and weight, and enhanced intestinal structure including taller villi (finger-like projections that absorb nutrients) and improved villus-to-crypt ratios. The supplementation also increased goblet cells that produce protective mucus and enhanced acidic mucin production throughout the intestinal tract. Interestingly, while intestinal health markers improved substantially, traditional growth performance measures like feed intake and feed conversion efficiency remained unchanged. This suggests moringa leaf powder works primarily by optimizing intestinal function rather than directly boosting appetite or feed efficiency. The findings are particularly relevant given growing concerns about antibiotic resistance from routine antibiotic use in poultry farming, offering a potential plant-based solution that could improve gut health without compromising bird welfare or contributing to antimicrobial resistance issues.