Effect of Moringa oleifera inclusion on voluntary feed intake, blood metabolites and serum antioxidant status in Rohilkhandi kids

This study scrutinized the effect of dietary supplementation of moringa foliage on the intake, blood metabolites and antioxidant indices in kids. Rohilkhandi male kids (18) of about 6 months old were randomly divided into CON, COT and MOT groups of 6 kids each as per their body weights in a completely randomized design. The male kids in CON (control) group were provided total mixed ration composed of concentrate mixture and wheat straw, whereas in COT and MOT groups kids fed TMRs having 25% of cowpea and moringa foliage, respectively, by replacing wheat straw of CON group. The kids were provided clean and fresh water twice daily. The quantity of offered TMR was adjusted fortnightly after recording the body weight (BW) of each kid. The dry matter (DM) and organic matter (OM) intake (% BW; g/kgW^0.75) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in MOT as compared to CON and COT groups. Haemoglobin (Hb) and packed cell volume (PCV) values were found to be similar amongst the treatment groups. Serum glucose was significantly (P<0.05) higher in MOT and COT groups than CON, however, serum urea level was decreased (P<0.05) in MOT and COT groups relative to CON. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in MOT group as compared to CON; however, COT has intermediate position. The activities of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were significantly (P<0.01) higher in MOT followed by COT and CON groups. However, lipid peroxidation (LPO) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in CON as compared to MOT and COT groups. Similarly, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) was significantly (P<0.05) higher in COT and MOT groups relative to CON. Supplementation of moringa foliage as total mixed ration considerably improved feed intake, blood metabolites and antioxidant indices in Rohilkhandi kids.