Potential of Moringa oleifera and Moringa peregrina whole plants as sustainable forage alternatives in lamb (Ovis aries) nutrition

This study investigated the feasibility of replacing alfalfa hay with whole plants of Moringa oleifera (MO) and Moringa peregrina (MP) in pelleted total mixed rations (TMR) for growing Hari lambs under arid conditions. Sixty male lambs were allocated to five dietary treatments: T1) alfalfa-based control(, T2) MO-based(, T3 ) MP-based(, T4) alfalfa + MO( and T5) alfalfa + MP) over an 84-day feeding trial. Growth performance (ADG, final BW, and FCR) was not significantly affected (P > 0.05) by dietary inclusion of MO or MP, despite a significant reduction (P < 0.05) in average daily feed intake in MO treatments. Apparent nutrient digestibility of DM, CP, NDF, and ADF was unaffected (P > 0.05), except for a significant decrease (P < 0.05) in ether extract digestibility in Moringa diets. Rumen fermentation parameters revealed stable pH and total volatile fatty acid (VFA) concentrations across treatments; however, individual VFA profiles varied significantly (P < 0.05), with MP elevating acetic acid and branched-chain VFAs (isobutyrate, isovalerate), and MO increasing butyric acid concentrations. Colorimetric analysis of rumen epithelium demonstrated and association between increased lightness (L*) in Moringa-fed lambs and higher concentration of branched-chain VFAs (r = 0.551 and 0.487 for isobutyrate and isovalerate, respectively) and negatively correlated was observed with propionate (r = -0.793, P < 0.001). These data indicate that whole Moringa plants are effective alternative fibre sources capable of replacing alfalfa hay in pelleted lamb diets without detrimental effects on growth or major nutrient digestibility, while modulating ruminal fermentation pathways and epithelial tissue pigmentation. Further histopathological and biochemical investigations are required to elucidate the mechanisms underpinning rumen epithelial color changes associated with dietary Moringa inclusion.