Comparative study on feeding value of Moringa leaves as a partial replacement for alfalfa hay in ewes and goats

A Comparative study on feeding value of Moringa leaves diet (MOD) as a partial replacement for alfalfa hay diet (AHD) in ewes and goats was carried out. Twenty animals from each group were used in a 6-week experiment. Each group of the animals was divided into two groups with 10 animals in each group and arranged in a replicated 2×2 crossover design. Differences in MOD value vs. AHD were analysed by using Student's t-tests. MOD had significantly (p≤0.05) higher ash, fat, nitrogen-free extracts, metabolizable energy, total phenolic content and antioxidant activity than AHD. However, crude protein, fibre, neutral detergent fibre and acid detergent fibre were significantly higher in AHD than MOD. Milk yield was significantly greater when goats and ewes were fed MOD than AHD. Feeding MOD to ewes and goats significantly affected milk composition with higher fat, lactose, and solid non-fat contents than AHD. Milk energy contents and outputs were significantly (p≤0.01) higher in ewes and goats fed MOD than AHD. Goats and ewes fed MOD had significantly lower malondialdehyde (MDA) in their milk and serum than that fed AHD. Catalase content in milk and serum of goats and ewes fed MOD was significantly (p≤0.05) higher than that of animals fed AHD. The total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and vitamin C were higher in milk and serum of goats and ewes fed MOD than that fed AHD. Lower cholesterol and glucose contents were noted in the serum of goats and ewes fed MOD. Average daily gain by kids and lambs was significantly (p≤0.01) higher in kids and lambs fed MOD than that fed AHD. Replacement of alfalfa with M. oleifera had a positive effect on milk yield, composition and quality of ewes and goats and growth performance of kids and lambs.