The Potential Use Of Moringa Oleifera As Poultry Feed Supplement In Kenya.

Abstract

Poultry industry in Kenya is constrained by inadequate supply of good quality feed and high cost of feed. The industry is faced with poor availability of the raw materials especially the proteins which is a major contributor to the low quality feed and the escalating costs. Moringa oleifera Lam. is the best known of 14 species of Moringa tree (family Moringaceae). This rapidly-growing, drought-resistant tree is now widely cultivated and has been naturalized in many locations in the tropics. Moringa oleifera has unique nutritive value and it can serve as a good source of protein, essential amino acids, minerals and vitamins that are needed in the poultry industry. Cultivation of Moringa oleifera in the rural areas can offer a sustained supply of nutrients to indigenous chicken which are mainly raised on both confinement and scavenging. The plant has been used to combat malnutrition in humans and also it is reported to have antitrypanosomal, antibiotic, anticancer, antispasmodic, antiulcer, antiinflammatory, hypo-cholesterolemic properties. It is reputed to have considerable efficacy in water purification by flocculation, sedimentation, antibiosis besides its capacity to reduce Schistosome cercariae titer in water. Its integration in the poultry feed industry would go along away in poverty alleviation especially in rural areas by offering alternative enterprise to the communities, besides the environmental benefits that would accrue from its cultivation. The nutritional value of Moringa oleifera can benefit both commercial and small holder poultry production by providing a substitute to the raw materials used in the poultry feed and therefore, the need to evaluate it’s potential as an alternative feed supplement in poultry nutrition.