Extract of Moringa oleifera leaves improves feed utilization of lactating Nubian goats

The present experiment aimed to assess the effect of providing oral doses of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on feed intake, nutrient digestion, and ruminal and blood serum measurements in goats. Sixteen lactating Nubian does (36.5 ± 0.6 kg) were used in a quadruplicated 4 × 4 Latin square design over an 88-day period. An aqueous M. oleifera extract was supplemented orally to each doe at doses of 0 (Control treatment), 10 (ME10 treatment), 20 (ME20 treatment) or 40 mL (ME40 treatment). Compared with control, M. oleifera extract linearly increased (P < 0.01) nutrient intake and digestibility of dry matter, organic matter, and neutral detergent fiber, without affecting digestibility of crude protein and ether extract. Without affecting ruminal pH and ammonia-N, M. oleifera extract increased (P < 0.05) total short-chain fatty acids (SCFA), branched-chain SCFA, and propionic acid concentrations; however, the extract linearly decreased (P < 0.01) acetic/propionic ratio and calculated methane production. Increased (P < 0.01) serum albumin and glucose concentrations, and decreased (P < 0.05) cholesterol, triglycerides, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase and glutamic pyruvic transaminase concentrations were noted with the inclusion of M. oleifera extract. It is concluded that an oral dose of M. oleifera extract enhanced feed intake and digestibility and ruminal fermentation in lactating Nubian does. Although further research is needed, performance responses associated with increasing the dose of M. oleifera extract to 40 mL/doe were not large; thus, the 20 mL dose is recommended for practical use.