Antioxidative, hematopoietic and hepatoprotective effects of <i>Moringa oleifera</i> seed powder in broilers

Abstract

Purpose: To evaluate the impact of Moringa oleifera seed powder (MOSP) on oxidative stress markers, hematological parameters, and hepatic enzymes of broilers. Methods: Thirty-two broilers were divided into four groups using a completely randomized design (CRD). Group I served as control, while groups II, III, and IV received 100, 200, and 300 mg/kg body weight of MOSP, respectively. The treatment was administered orally daily for eight weeks. After treatment, blood samples were assessed for oxidative stress enzymes assay (catalase (CAT); superoxide dismutase (SOD); glutathione peroxidase (GPx); glutathione S-transferase (GST); malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO)), haematological analysis (white blood cell (WBC) count, red cell distribution width (RDW), hemoglobin (HGB) concentration, and hematocrit (HCT) levels, red blood cell (RBC), platelet (PLT), eosinophil, and basophil counts) and liver function test (aspartate aminotransferase (ALT), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)). Results: The MOSP significantly (p < 0.05) increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, SOD, GPX and GST), and reduced oxidative stress markers (MDA and NO) when compared to control. A significant increase was observed in WBC, RDW, HGB and HCT concentrations in MOLP-treated animals. No significant difference was observed in RBC, PLT, eosinophil and basophil counts across all groups (p > 0.05). Liver enzyme activities decreased significantly in MOLP-treated animals (p < 0.05), indicating improved liver health. Conclusion: The substantial antioxidative, hematological, and hepatoprotective effects of MOSP suggest that MOSP could be utilized as a functional feed supplement or a natural alternative to synthetic antioxidants and growth enhancers in poultry, with broader implications for promoting health and productivity in livestock.