Seasonal effects of Moringa oleifera as a concentrate replacement on health parameters and production performance in Barbari goats

Context Moringa oleifera is recognized for its high content of proteins, vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Research has demonstrated its potential to enhance the health and production performance of livestock under thermal stress conditions. Aims This study aimed to evaluate the effects of substituting 50% of concentrate with Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the health, physiological parameters, and production performance of Barbari goats across various seasonal conditions. Methods The study was conducted over three seasons of winter, spring, and hot dry (each lasting 2 months), on 10 healthy Barbari goats, which were equally divided into two groups, namely, a control group and a treatment group (where 50% of the concentrate was replaced with Moringa oleifera leaf meal). The goats were allocated to these groups on the basis of their average body weight. Environmental parameters were recorded to determine the temperature–humidity index. Physiological responses, starting as well as finishing bodyweight (BW), and dry-matter intake (DMI) were recorded fortnightly throughout the experiment. Blood samples were systematically collected three times per season. Key results The finishing BW and DMI were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group and varied significantly among seasons. The overall mean values of physiological responses (rectal temperature, respiratory rate, and skin temperature of the udder, foot, and hip regions) were significantly lower in the treatment group than in the control group and also differed significantly among seasons. Hematological variables (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) were significantly higher in the treatment group than in the control group, although mean corpuscular volume and mean corpuscular hemoglobin showed the opposite trend. Significant differences were observed across seasons. Conclusions The results of this study clearly indicated that replacing 50% of the concentrate with Moringa oleifera is beneficial for ameliorating the adverse effects of thermal stress and reducing stress markers in Barbari goats. Implications Feeding Barbari goats with Moringa oleifera leaf meal may be an effective strategy for managing heat stress, particularly in regions with significant seasonal fluctuations. This practice could support more robust and sustainable goat farming by enhancing the overall health and productivity of goats.