Effects of Moringa oleifera seed oil supplemented diet on performance of two genotypes of broiler chickens

One hundred and twenty (120) day old chicks comprising of two broiler genotypes (Arbor Acre and Ross 308) were fed to graded levels (0%, 4.5%, 5% and 5.5%) of Moringa oleifera Seed Oil (MOSO) to investigate its effect on their performance. The experiment was conducted for 35 days and the chickens were fed ad libitum. Data collected were analyzed using a 2x4 factorial design. Supplementation of the chickens diet with graded level of MOSO showed significant (P<0.05) differences in the feed intake observable within each genotype from weeks 1- 5 with the values decreasing as the level of MOSO inclusion increased. Analysis of the interaction between diets and genotype showed a significant (P<0.05) effect of both factors at week 1, 3 and 5 with Arbor acre showing a reduced feed intake when diet containing 5.5% MOSO at week 1 and 3, while reduction in feed intake by Ross 308 fed the same diet was at week 5. Interaction of both factors had no significant (P>0.05) effect on body weight gain values. However, both genotypes had better body weight gain (10.04%) at 4.5% MOSO inclusion level. The interaction of both factors (Diet and Genotype) showed best result for FCR in diet 1 and 3 at weeks 1, 2, 4 and 5 in Ross 308 strain, while Arbor Acre had the best FCR value at week 3 when fed diet containing 5.5% MOSO. The results showed that 4.5% MOSO inclusion contributed significantly to body weight gain in the two broiler genotype, and there are variations in their response to MOSO supplemented diet.Keywords: Moringa Oleifera Seed Oil, Broiler, Genotype, Performanc