Inclusion of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> leaf meal in the diet of locally bred chickens: effects on growth performance, semen and hatchability traits

The presence of essential amino acids and low anti-nutritional factors (ANFs) in Moringa oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) designates it as a good source nutrients for poultry. This study investigated the effect dietary MOLM on growth performance, semen, hatchability traits day-old chick weight Potchefstroom Koekoek (PK) chickens. Two isonitrogenous isoenergetic diets were formulated by diluting basal layer grower mash with 0 (MOLM0) 70% (MOLM70) MOLM. Eighty PK chickens (40 hens 40 roosters) aged 22 weeks used this study. For performance traits, laying randomly assigned to two treatments four replicates having five per pen. Diets did not significantly affect performance. MOLM70 diet resulted increased sperm velocity (rapid), semen concentration, pH, motility progressive than control (MOLM0). It is concluded that inclusion chicken adversely but improved motility, chicks findings recommend nutritionally equipped enhance both reproductive productive PK.