CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION
1.1 BACKGROUND OF STUDY
The poultry industry in the developing countries is facing some
challenges, one of which is increase in the cost of feed because of high
prices of protein and energy sources (Abbas, 2013). Study shows that
the level of consumption of meat and animal protein in Nigeria is
estimated at 8g per capita per head, which is about 25g less than
minimum requirement as recommended by the Food and Agricultural
Organization (FAO, 1997; FAO, 2006). Such demand has led to greater
interest in fast growing livestock farming with shorter generation
interval. Example Pig, rabbit and poultry farming. Kakengi et al. (2003)
observed that, Moringa oleifera leaves meal contains 86% DM, 29.7l%
C.P., 22.5% CF, 4.38% EE, 27.9 mg/100g calcium, 0.26% phosphorus
and negligible amount of tannin (1.23g/kg). In addition, Oduro et al.
(2008) reported that Moringa oleifera leaves contain crude protein
27.51%, crude fiber 19.25%, crude fat 2.23%, ash 7.13%, moisture
76.53%, carbohydrate 43.88% and caloric value 1296.00 Kj/g (305.62
cal/g). Calcium and iron content in mg/100g (DM) are 20.09 and 28.29,
respectively. Foidl and Paull (2008) reported that, the protein content of
leave is high (20-35% on a dry weight basis) and most important is that,
the protein is of high quality having significant quantities of all essential
amino acids. Murro et al. (2002) reported that, the leaves are highly
nutritious containing significant quantities of vitamin A, B and minerals
such as C, Ca, Fe, P and protein. However, despite the high nutrient
content of Moringa oleifera leaf meal, there are few reports in the
literature on feeding trials with broilers. Therefore, the objective of this
study is to evaluate the effect of feeding diets containing different levels
of Moringa oleifera leaf meal on growth performance of internal organs
of finisher broiler.
However, Moringa (Moringa oleifera) is now presently being focused
globally as another promising leaf meal in livestock feeding. Moringa is
drought-tolerant and grows at a rainfall of 250- 1500 mm per year
(Martin, 2007). The feeding value of Moringa has been reported to be
1
analogous to that of soybeans and rapeseed meal (Soliva et al., 2004).
With the leaves of Moringa being rich in nutrients, pregnant women and
lactating mothers use the powdered leaves to enhance their children’s
nourishment, principally in under-developed countries where
malnutrition is common (Sudha et al., 2010, Stephen et al., 2008).

1.2 STATEMENT OF PROBLEM

One of the major problems in Nigeria is the gross deficiency in protein
intake, both in quality and quantity to improve the performance of vital
organs that supports the growth and wellbeing of the body. Nigeria is
struggling to keep its food production in check with its population
growth (Ironkwe, 2007). This feat can be achieved by increasing the
production and consumption of poultry products. More so, as feed plays
a major role in the growth and development of the internal organs of
livestock animals, poor feed quality deters the growth and performance
of vital organ like gizzard, liver kidneys and others. It is penitent that
research should be carried out to improve the quality of livestock feed
for poultry birds and the performance of their internal organs that would
in turn keep the health and production rate of the birds in check to meet
the growing need for animal protein.

1.3 OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

 To determine the nutritional effect of Moringa oleifera (moringa
leaf) as feed additives on the growth performance of finisher
broiler birds
 To determine the effect of Moringa oleifera on the internal organs
of broiler birds.

1.4 JUSTIFICATION OF STUDY

The continuous rise in the course of poultry antibiotics and additives
which results in the high cost of broiler birds calls for more attention
into growth promoters and supplements. Reduction in protein sources

2
has contributed in growth rate in broiler finisher production. Therefore
there is need to look for sources of protein as to have it relatively
available which invariably increases the growth rate of birds.
The inclusion of moringa leaf meal Extract in feed fed to poultry birds
May improve the growth and performance of the internal organs of
poultry birds.

3
 CHAPTER TWO
LITERATURE REVIEW
The human population is increasing globally day by day. Meeting the
increasing demand of animal protein and providing safe food for human
beings that is free from antibiotics by using herbal feed resources is a
great challenge for the animal scientists in the future. The issue
considering antibiotic resistance has created an augmented force to
reduce antibiotic uses in livestock and poultry production Anwa M., et al
2017 and Cheng Y., et al. 2019. Dietary inclusion of herbs and their
extracts has growth-promoting roles in poultry Movahhedkhah S., 2019
Furthermore, different natural medicinal plants and their extracts as feed
supplements have been used as a substitute for antibiotics in poultry
production Mahanta et al 2017. In addition, Mahfuz et al. 2018 reported
that poultry scientists are now dedicated to applying unconventional
natural feed supplement, which may play a role in possible therapies to
improve the health as well as production performance of chickens. Thus,
poultry researchers are searching for potential natural feed resources that
will be both environmentally friendly and safe for human society
Pourhossein 2015. Moringa oleifera is a well-known cultivated species
in the genus Moringa, (family Moringaceae) under the order Brassicales.
The common names of Moringa oleifera include moringa, drumstick
tree, horseradish tree, and ben oil tree or benzoil tree or miracle tree
Arora 2013 and Gopalakrishnan 2016. The M. oleifera tree is native to
South Asia, especially India, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh,
Afghanistan; North Eastern and South Western Africa, Madagascar, and
Arabia Fahey 2005, Anwar 2007, Alnidawi et al 2016. The moringa seed
and leaves have a broad use in the food industry and therapeutic issues
Fahey 2005. It is popular for its seeds, flowers and leaves inhuman food
and as herbal medicine Oyeyinka et al 2016 The different parts of the M.
oleifera tree are used as a good source of human nutrition and in
traditional diets in different countries of the world Olugbemi et al 2010
and onunkwo et al 2015. Furthermore, the seed powder of M. oleifera
contains polyelectrolytes, which are the most important active
ingredients for water purification Onunkwo et al 2015 and Kalibbala et
al 2009. Moringa oleifera is very useful as a feed supplement for

4
animals, as its leaves are highly nutritious. The leaves of M. oleifera are
the most nutritious part, being a significant source of vitaminB complex,
vitamin C, pro-vitamin A as beta-carotene, vitamin K, manganese, and
protein among other essential nutrients Leone et al 2015. Moringa
oleifera leaves have antimicrobial roles and are rich with fats, proteins,
vitamins, and minerals [Onunkwo et al 2015 and Abbas 2013. The
extracts from leaves of Moringa oleifera contain low amounts of
polyphenols, which might have effects on blood lipid metabolism Leone
et al 2015 and Abbas 2013. Moringa oleifera can be used as a source of
micronutrient and as a dietary supplement in poultry Makkar et al 2007,
Mahajan et al 2007 . In addition, Moringa oleifera leaf powder has anti-
septic and detergent properties due to presence of different
phytochemicalsin the leaves Torondel et al 2014 . Moringa oleifera was
reported to be an excellent source of vitamins and amino acids that
reportedly boost immune systems Olugbemi et al 2010 . The seed
extracts of moringa are rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid. Moringa
oleifera exhibits anti-oxidant properties that can suppress formation of
reactive oxygen species (ROS) and free radicals Ogbunugafor et al 2011
and Sofidiya et al 2006. Until the present day, the application of M.
oleifera in farm animals to improve the production performance and
health status has been limited. Even though it was established that M.
oleifera has medicinal importance for the health of chickens,
unfortunately the inclusion levels of M. oleifera in poultry ration and
their mode of actions are still under consideration. Taking this into
consideration, the present study focuses on uses of M. oleifera as a
natural feed supplement as well as an alternative to antibiotics that can
improve the performance and health status of chickens. Biological Role
of M. oleifera The M. oleifera tree is globally known for its economic
and therapeutic roles. M. Oleifera has been honored as the “Botanical of
the Year 2007” by the National Institute of Health (USA), Gupta et al
2017 . The tree is also known as “never die” or “miracle tree”to the
people of Africa Gupta et al 2017. Now the application of M. oleifera
leaves in preparing foods is receiving great attention. Peoples from
Ghana, Nigeria, Ethiopia, East Africa, and Malawi are consuming the
moringa tree leaves directly in their diets Agbogidi et al 2012
Furthermore, M. oleifera leaves have been used for making soups, foods,
5
breads, cakes, and yoghurts Babayeju et al 2014, Chinma et al 2014,
Kolawole et al 2013, Hekmat et al 2015.

2.1. ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA

M. oleifera tree leaves possess various phytochemicals that have
antioxidant properties and roles in controlling a wide range of diseases,
like diarrhea, asthma, and various cancers Gupta et al 2017. The leaves
of M. oleifera have also been reported to hold extensive amounts of total
phenols, proteins, calcium, potassium, magnesium, iron, manganese, and
copper Hekmat et al 2015. They also contain rich sources of different
phytonutrients, such as carotenoids, tocopherols, and ascorbic acid,
which are good sources of dietary antioxidants Qwele et al 2012. A
significant increase in activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase
(CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and a decrease in lipid peroxide
(LPS) content were found in moringa leaf extracts Gupta et al 2017. In
addition, leaves extract from M. oleifera could improve the superoxide
dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione, and peroxidase levels and
reduce lipid peroxidation in albino mice [36]. Furthermore, total
phenolic, flavonoid, and flavonol content in leaf extracts was found to be
120 mg/g of gallic acid equivalents (GAE), 40 mg/g of GAE, and 12.12
mg/g of GAE, respectively Jaiswal et al 2013

2.2. THERAPEUTIC AND MICROBIAL PROPERTIES OF

MORINGA OLEIFERA
M. oleifera leaf extracts have been distinguished as having anticancer,
cytotoxic, anti-proliferative, anti-leukemia, anti-hepatocarcinoma, and
chemo-protective properties Kalahfalla et al 2010, Pamok el al 2012 .
The antitumor function of leaf extracts of M. oleifera is associated with
the antioxidant and apoptosis inducing properties Berkovich 2013, Jung
etal 2013 The antimicrobial properties of M. oleifera are well
established. The extracts derived from M. oleifera tree leaves have been
reported to be potential antibacterial and antifungal functions against
6
various bacterial and fungal species [Gupta et al 2017. Oluduro et al.
[46] and Pandey et al. [47] have highlighted that M. oleifera exhibited 4-
(α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl isothiocyanate, methyl N-4-(α-L-
rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl carbamate, and 4-(α-D-glucopyranosyl-
1→4-α-L-rhamnopyranosyloxy) benzyl thiocarboxamide that were able
to play antimicrobial properties. The antimicrobial activities of the
Moringa oleifera may be due to presence of lipophilic compounds and
different metabolites (carboxylic acid, 2,4-diacetyl phloroglucinol,
enzymes, and chitinases) in plant cell walls Jabeen et al 2008

2.3. NUTRITIONAL PROPERTIES OF MORINGA OLEIFERA

M. oleifera is also very popular for its nutritional values. It is reported as
a good source of six major nutrients: Carbohydrate, especially dietary
fibers; proteins; vitamins; minerals; lipids; and water. The unique
features of M. oleifera are its richness in proteins, carbohydrates, and
fibers with low fat. The leaves have been reported to enclose a range of
essential amino acids and are a good source of alpha linoleic acid Moyo
et al 2011. M. oleifera leaves have been seen to exhibit high contents of
vitamin A, C, and E Saini et al 2016The relative bioavailability of folate
originated from M. oleifera leaves were about 82% in a rat model, which
confirmed the fact that M. oleifera leaves exhibit rich source of dietary
folate Saini et al 2017.

The nutritional composition of M. oleifera leaves (dry matter basic)

showed dry matter (DM) about 93.63% to 95.0%, crude protein (CP)
17.01% to 22.23%, carbohydrate 63.11%to 69.40%, crude fiber
(CF)6.77% to 21.09%, crude fat (EE) 2.11% to 6.41%, ash (total
mineral) 7.96% to 8.40%, gross energy 14.790 (MJ/kg), and fatty acid
1.69% to 2.31% [58,59,60]. In addition, estimated calcium (Ca) was
1.91%; potassium (K) was 0.97%; sodium (Na) was 192.95, iron was
(Fe) 107.48, manganese (Mn) was 81.65, Zinc (Zn) was 60.06, and
phosphorus (P) was 30.15 parts per million (ppm) [59]. Magnesium
(Mg) was 0.38%, and copper (Cu) was 6.1%, tannins 21.19%, phytates
2.57%, trypsin inhibitors 3.0%, hi to 1.60%, oxalates 0.45%, and
7
cyanide 0.1% was also reported by Ogbe and John Ogbe et al 2012. The
leaves of the plant are enriched with methionine, phosphorus, calcium,
and iron Gupta et al 2017. It is believed that the leaves of M. oleifera
contain more calcium and twice as much protein than milk, higher
vitamin C than oranges, higher potassium and iron than bananas, and
higher vitamin A than carrots Gopalakrishnan et al 2016,Thurber et al
2009 and thus the plant is considered unique in nature Razis et al 2014
Niaziridin, an active component that was identified from M. oleifera, can
improve the absorption of different vitamins, minerals, and other micro
nutrients in gastrointestinal tract of the host Stohs S. J., 2015. The
nutritional composition of M. oleifera leaves are presented in table
below
Table 1. Chemical composition of Moringa oleifera leaf
Nutritional Fresh leaves Dry leaves
composition
Calories (cal) 92 329
Protein (g) 6.7 – 17.1 5.2
Fat (g) 1.7-2.11 38.0 - 41.2
Carbohydrates (g) 6.3 – 12.5 12.5-21.09
Fibre 0.9-7.09 12.5-21.09
Vitamin A 0.9-11.05 16.3-18.90
Vitamin B1 0.06 2.02-2.60
Vitamin B2 0.05 19.82- 21.3
Vitamin B3 0.8 7.6- 8.3
Vitamin C 220 15.8- 17.3
Vitamin E 448 10.8- 77.0
Calcium 440 2185- 3050
Magnesium 42-82 86-448
Phosphorus 30.15-70 204-252
Potassium 259 1236-1384
Copper 0.07 0.08-0.49
Iron 0.85-10.7 25.6-490
Sulphur - 363-630
Zinc 6.7 3.2-13.03

8
 Manganese 81.6 86.8-91.2

2.4. APPLICATION OF MORINGA OLEIFERA ON

PERFORMANCE OF CHICKENS
In most of the feeding experiments in poultry, the fresh, green, and
undamaged mature M. oleifera leaves were properly air-dried, and then
the dried leaves were ground to a fine powder in a hammer mill and
considered as moringa leaf powder or leaf meal. Similarly, fresh mature
moringa seeds were air-dried and ground and considered as moringa
seed meal. In some experiments, the ground particles were then soaked
into distilled water for 24 h, and the filtered aqueous solution was
considered as moringa extract. Due to the rich nutrient content,
especially the high amount of crude protein (CP), vitamins, and
minerals, M. oleifera leaves can be used as a useful resource of dietary
supplementation for livestock as well as poultry Nouman et al 2014,
Moreki et al 2014. In addition, Briones et al. Briones et al 2017 stated
that moringa leaves can be applied as a dietary supplement in layers and
broilers due to high production performance and improved eggs quality.
However, still there are many debates on the chicken’s performance with
different doses of M. oleifera in the previous studies. There are also
many variables on doses and part of plant used, such as leaves, extract,
sods, or seeds. Finally, many scientists agreed that M. oleifera plant
might have a positive role in improving the production performance and
health status in chickens. Further studies are still needed to detect the
actual doses of application for optimum performance in chickens.
2.5. INTERNAL ORGANS OF BROILER

 Crop: A pouch in the esophagus used to store food temporarily

before moving it on to the stomach.

9
  Stomach (Proventriculus/Gizzard): Principally the organ where
food is broken into smaller units. It has two parts: the
proventriculus for storage and the gizzard. The gizzard is a
muscular part of the stomach that uses grit to grind grains and fiber
into smaller particles.
 Small Intestine: Aids in digestion and nutrient absorption.
Composed of the duodenum, jejunum and ileum.
 Liver: The largest glandular organ in the body. Aids in the
metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and proteins.
 Ceca: Bacterial action in the ceca helps break down undigested
food passing through the intestine. The ceca turns into the large
intestine, which connects with the cloaca.
 Large Intestine: Functions primarily to absorb water, dry out
indigestible foods and eliminate waste products.
 Kidney: This is a part of the urinary system and consist of two
bean-like shaped organs located at the pelvic bone. They filter
waste from the blood and passes it through the ureter to the outside
via the cloaca or vent.
 Heart: The main part of the circulatory system which pumps and
supplies blood to the entire blood vessels in the body
 Lung: The broiler lungs are relatively small and are firmly
attached to the ribs
 Pancreas: Produce pancreatic juice which is a mixture of digestive
enzymes. Produce the hormones insulin and glucagon that are
involved in the metabolism of carbohydrate.

10
 CHAPTER THREE
3.0 MATERIALS AND METHODS
3.1 LOCATION OF EXPERIMENTAL SITE
The research was conducted at the poultry unit of students research pens
of the Federal College of Agriculture Ishiagu, Ivo Local Government
Area of Ebonyi State, Nigeria. The college is situated at about 3
kilometers away from Ishiagu town and lies along latitude 5.6°N and
longitude 7.3°E With an annual rainfall of 1000- 1600 mm And the
relative humidity of about 88% and the temperature of 25.5°C (FCAI
metrological station 2018).

3.2 SOURCE, PROCESSING AND EXPERIMENTAL

MATERIALS
Fresh leaves of moringa oleifera was harvested within the premises of
Ishiagu, Ebonyi state. The harvested leaves was washed with fresh clean
water to remove sand and dust, Allowed to dry for 12hrs, weighed to get
100g. 100g of moringa oleifera leaves was soaked in 1litre of 50%
alcohol for 24hrs after which, The residue was kept for further studies
and was further diluted to reduce the alcohol concentrations.

3.3 EXPERIMENTAL BIRDS AND MANAGEMENT

A total of 96 day old broiler chicks were purchased from a reputable
hatchery in Ibadan, Nigeria for the experiment. Before the arrival of the
birds, the proposed brooder house was cleaned, washed and disinfected.
The floor was allowed to dry for two weeks in order to allow the
disinfectant toxicity reduced to harmless levels. Wood shavings will be
spread on the floor for the brooding house as litter materials at about 5 to
7 CM depth. On arrival, vitamin C and glucose was mixed in drinking
troughs and given to the birds to reduce transport stress. Heat source
and other brooding facilities were made available to improve the
comfort of the birds at an optimum temperature of 33°c. Feed and water

11
was provided daily while all poultry management practices were be fully
maintained.

3.4 EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN

The experiment lasted for 4 weeks in the deep litter pens. The 96 chicks
were allotted four (4) treatments with 24 birds per treatment. Each
treatment was replicated 3 times with eight birds per replicate in a
completely randomised design (CRD). Treatments were tagged T1, T2,
T3 and T4.
T1= control
T2=20ml moringa extract in 1litre of water
T3= 40ml moringa extract in 1litre of water
T4= 60ml moringa extract in 1litre of water.

12
3.5 EXPERIMENTAL DIET
Table 3.1 Percentage composition of experimental diets for finisher
broilers
T1 T2 20ml T3 40ml T4
Feed ingredient control 60ml
Maize 58.00 58.00 58.00 58.00
Wheat bran 4.00 4.00 4.00 4.00
Wheat 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
Soya beans meal (SBM) 20.00 20.00 20.00 20.00
Protein concentration 8.00 8.00 8.00 8.00
Vegetable oil 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00
Limestone 0.50 0.50 0.50 0.50
Salts 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Premix 0.25 0.25 0.25 0.25
Total 100 100 100 100
Calculated values
Crude protein (%) 20.02 20.00 20.01 19.99
Metabolisable energy 3118 3117 3116 3114
(kcal/kg)
*According to chemical analysis of NCR 1994

3.6 DATA COLLECTION

Determination of the gut morphology and pH At day 49, two broilers
from each treatment were randomly selected and were kept separate, fed
for eight hours and water was supplied to satisfaction while the birds
were weighed before slaughtering. Each bird was weighed and killed by
cervical dislocation, then scalded and de-feathered. The gastro intestinal
tract (GIT) of each bird was eviscerated immediately and placed in a

13
tray at room temperature and gently uncoiled to avoid tearing or
stretching. The pH was measured with a calibrated digital pH meter. The
pH values for different segments of the gastro-intestinal tract will be
measured by inserting a glass electrode directly in the openings made in
the organs with digesta. In order to evaluate the organ weight and
morphometrics of the chickens at 49 days of age, a tailor measuring tape
and scale was used to measure the length and weight of the gizzard,
proventiculus, small intestines and large intestines, respectively. The
gizzards was weighed after their contents will be removed and cleaned.
After removal of the contents, the small and large intestines was cut in
segments, cleaned, weighed and measured. The lengths of the small
intestines was measured from the site where the duodenum emerges
from the gizzard and the beginning of the caeca, while the large intestine
were the length of the colon and the rectum. The chickens will be
weighed before slaughter. Relative organ such as heart, spleen, lung,
liver weight of the chickens were determined by weighing each internal
visceral.

3.7 DATA ANALYSIS

The collected data was subject to analysis of variance (ANOVA) for
completely randomized design(CRD) as described by Steel and
Torrie(1980) and Akindele, S. O.(2004) using a stat graphic computer
package(SPSS) 2007 model. Most importantly, Duncans’ New Multiole
Range Test would be used (Duncan 1995).

14
 CHAPTER FOUR

RESULTS AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Results

Table 4.1: Effect of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on the internal organs of finisher

broiler birds

Parameters T1 T2 T3 T4 SEM
Crop 14.33a 9.33a 16.93a 18.35a 0.94
Lung 19.67ab 17.33ab 14.38b 22.72a 1.10
Heart 14.34ab 12.02b 11.89b 15.16a 0.48
Spleen 3.70 3.19 3.04 3.22 0.15
Liver 58.40a 56.71b 58.39a 58.19a 1.61
Proventriculus 17.62a 16.70ab 14.44b 15.83ab 0.53
Gizzard (close) 47.97b 48.97ab 49.08a 47.22b 1.30
Pancreas 7.88 7.20 7.70 8.12 0.33
Small intestine weight 114.38ab 114.83ab 112.37b 121.34a 1.96
Small intestine length 257.00ab 272.33ab 248.33b 286.33a 5.61
Large intestine weight 4.11b 5.68a 4.14b 5.04a 0.45
Large intestine length 12.77a 9.83b 10.70b 9.50b 0.38
Caecum weight 17.01a 15.36ab 15.69ab 14.78b 0.41
Caecum length 24.83a 23.17ab 21.67b 20.17b 0.59
abc
Means with similar superscripts along the same row are not significantly (P>0.05) different

Discussion
The effect of oral administration of moringa olerifera leaf aqueous
extract on the internal of finisher broiler chickens is presented in Table
1. The result indicates that no difference (p>0.05) was observed in crop
15
performance among the four treatment groups except in treatment 2.
However, treatment 4 at 60ml administration gave the highest value
(18.35), followed by T3, T1 (16.93 and 14.33) respectively while the
least value was obtained in T2. The reasons for high value in T4 could
be associated with increased in volume of oral administration of the
extract. The result on the lung performance gave the highest value in
T4, followed by T1 (22.72 and19.67) respectively, however, T3 and T2
values were not significantly different (P<0.05) with T3 giving the least
(14.38) while T2 had (17.33). Also, as it was observed in crop value
where T4 had the highest value, same also for lung which indicated there
is direct relationship on organ increased to oral administration. Heart and
spleen observed in the result gave the highest value in T4 and T1 (15.16
and 3.70) respectively. However, T1 and T4 followed by the suit for
heart and spleen (14.34 and 3.22) respectively but T2 (12.02 and 3.19)
and T3 (11.89 and 3.04) had the same position value for third and fourth
respectively. The high value obtained in T4 could be associated with the
presence of ions with had helped in blood functions which decreases
with volume per litre administered. On the part of spleen, T1 having the
highest value could be because of lack of antioxidant factors Liver
values obtained were significant (P<0.05) across the treatment groups,
with T1 (58.40) as the highest value, followed by T3 (58.39) and T4
(58.19). However, T2 gave the least value (56.71). The function of liver
is for detoxification in the body of the animal, however the oral
administration of the leaf extract gave highest in T1 which showed that
anti-oxidant in morinag leaf extract were reduced during the process of
extract but at 40ml and 60ml oral administration, antioxidant content
increases also while reduces at 20ml. This work is in line with the report
of Soetanto et al., (2004) that moringa leaf has been shown to have
antioxidant benefits that can be used as a preventive measure against the
liver or liver structure. The values obtained showed that oral extract
administered had great influence on liver performance. Oral
administration effect on the Proventriculus were significant (P<0.05),
however, birds on T1 gave the highest value (17.62), followed T2
(16.70). T4 values was higher compared to T3 (15.83 and 14.44)
respectively. The value on gizzard in a closed form gave values were
significant (P<0.05) across the groups, however, there were significant
16
variations (p<0.05) ratio-ranging between 49.08-47.22. T3 gave the
highest value, followed by T2, T1 and T4 respectively. Oral
administration of the extract on pancreas showed values ranging from
8.12-7.20. However, birds on T4 had the best performance, numerically,
when compared to the other treated groups. T1 value (7.88) was higher
compared to T3 (7.70) whileT2 gave the least value (7.20). It was
observed that pancreas and liver performance similar functions. The
administration of the leaf extract increased per volume millitres gave an
increased in their functions also. This work is in line with the report of
Soetanto et al., (2004) that moringa leaf has been shown to have
antioxidant benefits that can be used as a preventive measure against the
liver or liver structure Weight of small intestine with the administration
of moringa leaf extract across the group gave a range value of 114.83-
112.37. However, T2 gave the highest value, followed by T1, T4 and
T3. Also, the result on the length of small intestine with the oral
administration of moringa leaf extract were significantly higher across
the treatment groups with T4 giving the highest value (286.33).
However, the values obtained in T1 (275.00) was different from those
T2 (272.33) and T3 (248.33). Effect of the leaf extract on the weight of
large intestine were not significant (P>0.05) across the treatment groups.
However, T2 gave the highest value (5.68), followed by T4 (5.04), T3
(4.14), however, the least value was obtained in T1. The value on the
length of large intestine were contrast with the length with the values
ranging from 12.77-9.50, which were significant (P<0.05) across the
treatment groups. However, T1 gave the highest value, followed by T3
(10.70), T2 (9.83) while T4 gave the least value. Weight and length of
caecum observed showed that T1 gave the highest value (17.01 and
24.83) respectively. However, T3 and T2 gave the second highest value
of 15.69 and 3.17 respectively, also T2 and T3 values were the third
highest value (15.36 and21.67) while T4 gave the least value (14.78 and
20.17) respectively.

17
 CHAPTER FIVE
5.0 SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS
5.1 Summary
This research work was carried out determine the effect of moringa leaf
extract oral supplement on the internal organs indices of finisher broiler
chicken. 96 birds were randomly distributed to five treatments as T1,
T2, T3 and T4 replicated three times with eight birds per treatment the
birds were administered with the extract containing 0%, 20ml, 40ml and
60ml of moriniga leaf extract. The result of the experiment showed
administration of moringa leaf extract at 60ml were significant effect on
crop, lung, heart, pancreas and small intestine length. At 0ml, liver,
proventriculus, large intestine length, caecum weight and caecum were
significant, which showing that moringa leaf extract does affect some
part of internal organs indices of finisher broiler birds.
5.2 Conclusion
All the internal organs showed significant (p<0.05) difference with
crop, lung, heart, liver, proventriculus, gizzard, small intestine weight
and length, large intestine length and caecum length and weight falling
within normal value in literature. All the parameters of internal organs
showed significant (p<0.05) different among the treatment groups. The
cost effectiveness will increase with increased oral administration and
the highest value was recorded in 60ml.
5.3 Recommendations
Based on this study, the following recommendations were made;
i. Same oral administration experiment should be carried on the growth
performance, haematological and serum biochemistry indices of both
starter and finisher phases.
ii. There should be combination of another leaf extract with moringa
leaf extract to know the effect on the aforementioned indices.

18
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