Modulation of Immunity by Moringa oleifera in Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The leaves of Moringa oleifera have several pharmacological properties, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities, and are rich in vitamins and minerals that may benefit human and animal health. Hence, this study aimed to determine the effects of Moringa oleifera ethanolic leaf extract (MOELE) on the immunity level of broiler chickens. A total of 144 day-old broiler chicks (Vencobb 430) were randomly allocated to four groups, with three replicates per group and twelve birds per replicate. The treatments were: T0/control = no extract; T1 = 2 mL/L MOELE in drinking water; T2 = 4 mL/L MOELE in drinking water; and T3 = 6 mL/L MOELE in drinking water. Immune organ indices and selected blood parameters were evaluated among the four groups. The average bursa of Fabricius organ indices in groups T2 and T3 were significantly (P < 0.05) higher than those in groups T0 and T1. For the spleen and thymus, group T3 showed statistically higher values than all other groups. On day 42, heterophil values in the MOELE-treated groups were significantly (P < 0.05) lower than those in the control group, whereas lymphocyte values in the MOELE-treated groups were higher (P < 0.05) than those in the control group. The H/L ratio also improved (P < 0.05) in the MOELE-treated groups by day 42 compared with the control group. The HI titre against Newcastle disease vaccine in groups T2 and T3 was significantly higher (P < 0.05) by day 42 than in the other groups. From these results, it can be concluded that addition of moringa extract to drinking water may have beneficial effects on broiler chicken health and may improve immunity.