Effect of Drumstick Tree (Moringa oleifera) Leaves Powder on Estradiol Level and Egg Production in Female Chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus)
Usra Nudrat1, Irum Naureen1, Sumbal Nazir1* and Muhammad Naeem1
1 School of Zoology, Minhaj University Lahore
*Corresponding Author: sumbalnazir.zoology @mul.edu.pk
Improvement in egg production and quality is expected by giving Moringa leaves in feed. This study
investigated the effects of dietary supplements of Moringa oleifera leaves powder with and without high fat diet on egg quality, egg production and estradiol levels in chickens. Golden Misri Chickens were divided into 4 groups;
Group 1 (Control group) was given feed 13. Group 2 (Experimental Group) was given feed 13 and Mustard oil (high
fat diet) Group 3 (Experimental Group) was given feed 13 + Mustard oil + 1.5% powdery leaves of Moringa
oleifera leaves. Group 4 (Experimental Group) was given feed 13 + 1.5% of powdery leaves of Moringa oleifera
leaves for four weeks. Number of eggs, quality and quantity of eggs, internal and external structure of egg, egg
shape, egg size, egg length, egg weight, yolk color, yolk shape, yolk weight, albumin weight and egg laying rate at
daily basis was counted and daily pecked or eggs eaten by hens were also premeditated. As the experiment was
completed, the average egg production per week was calculated. Blood plasma was separated, later used for
hormonal analysis. Levels of estradiol were analyzed through enzyme linked immunoassay. High significant
decrease in estradiol was observed in group 2 fed high fat diet while highly significant (P>0.01) increase in estradiol
was observed in Morianga oleifera treated group 4 as compared to group 2 and group 3 fed Morianga oleifera. The
results have shown a remarkable growth in egg production by using supplementary diet of Moringa oleifera leaves
powder. It was recorded that supplementary diet of Moringa oleifera leaves meal in diet in 0.5% with combination
of Mustard oil and used alone with feed have beneficial effects at egg production and egg quality.