Effect of feeding concentrate mixtures containing varying levels of dried moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves on haematobiochemical and sex hormonal parameters in Murrah buffalo heifers

Abstract

A feeding trial was conducted for a period of 120 days for studying the haemato-biochemical and sex hormonal parameters in buffalo heifers fed with concentrate mixtures containing varying levels of dried moringa (Moringa oleifera) leaves. Fifteen Murrah buffalo heifers aged 18-26 months were selected and randomly allotted to three groups of five animals each and fed three dietary treatments, containing concentrate mixture (20 per cent CP and 68 per cent TDN) and ad libitum green grass. Dried moringa leaves were incorporated at 0, 10 and 20 per cent in the concentrate mixture for treatments T1 (control), T2 and T3 respectively. Comparison of serum biochemical values revealed higher serum glucose and oestrogen in buffalo heifers fed T3 when compared to those fed T1 and T2. The serum cholesterol values were significantly lower (p<0.05) for buffalo heifers fed T2 and T3 when compared to T1. Evaluation of the results obtained in the present study revealed that moringa leaves can be effectively incorporated up to 20 per cent in the concentrate mixture of buffalo heifers without any adverse effects on haemato-biochemical parameters with improved oestrogen levels indicating better reproductive performance.