Nutritional Evaluation of Moringa oleifera Leaves and the Effect of Its Bio-fortification with Animal Feed on Physical Changes and Organ Weights in Male Albino Rats

The current research investigated the nutritional value of the Moringa oleifera leaves Four diets, different in their composition were used on sixteen male albino rats (n=4). Commercial vitamins and minerals premix (75.0 g) were used solely in diet 1; diet 2 contained 37.5 g of the vitamin-mineral premix and 37.5 g MOL. Diet 3 contained 19.0 g of vitamin-mineral premix and 56.0 g of MOL. Diet 4 contained only MOL (75.0 g) as the sole source of vitamins and minerals. Diets 1, 2, 3 and 4 were provided for groups A (control), B, C and D respectively. Nutritional evaluation of the Moringa oleifera leaves contained protein (28.23±0.02%), dry matter (25.56±05%), Calcium (723.01 ±0.11 mg), Magnesium (677.28±0.00 mg) and Zinc (214.51±0.02 mg). Concerning the respective diets on feed consumption, bodyweight gain and growth performance, results showed a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in dose-dependent manners compared with control (A). Groups C and D showed a significant decrease (p > 0.05) in the efficiency of feed conversion when compared to control. The organs of all the test groups showed no significant difference (p > 0.05) in weight compared to control. Conclusively, the study suggests the use of MOL may be needful only as a supplement, condiment or ingredient to enrich diets with essential vitamins and minerals but not for growth or bodyweight gain.