Effects on egg quality attributes of RIR hens fed with Moringa oleifera leaf meal-containing diet

This study examined the effects of Moringa oleifera leaves supplementation on egg quality characteristics of Rhode Island Red (RIR) hens.One hundred and eighty, 24-week-old Rhode Island Red layer birds were randomly allotted to four dietary treatments having replicates with 15 birds in each.The treatments were T1 (Control: Basal diet); T2: 1% MOLM in basal diet; T3: 3% MOLM in basal diet; T4: 5% MOLM in basal diet.The results revealed that average daily feed intake per bird (g/day) was lower (P<0.05)for hens supplemented with MOLM.Feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed no statistical difference between groups.In T3 and T4, the average HDEP and HHEP percentages were significantly (P<0.05)higher than in T1.Overall, MOLM supplementation significantly increased albumen height, width, shell thickness, index, yolk width, weight, Haugh unit, and yolk colour score (P<0.05)compared to the control group.MOLM feeding did not affect egg length, width, form index, shell weight, yolk height, or yolk index.All dose levels of MOLM showed significant improvements in egg composition, including increased beta carotene, omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, yolk and shell calcium, and decreased yolk cholesterol and overall fat weight (P<0.05).MOLM supplementation didn't affect proximate composition and carbohydrate content of egg.MOLM in diet prolongs egg shelf life by slowing albumen and yolk pH shift, increasing yolk and albumen height, and lowering TBARS.According to current studies, adding up to 5% Moringa oleifera to RIR laying hens' diets improves production performance, egg quality, and shelf life.