Dietary inclusion of Moringa oleifera leaf meal enhances performance and cost of production of Broiler Japanese quails (Coturnix coturnix japonica)

Aim: The present study aimed to assess the impact of replacing soybean meal with Moringa oleifera leaf meal on the growth performance and feed economics of broiler Japanese quails. Methodology: A total of 300 day-old Japanese quail chicks were procured and reared from 1 to 6 weeks of age. The birds were randomly allocated into five dietary treatment groups (M0, M0.5, M1, M1.5 and M2) with three replicates per group, based on the graded inclusion levels (0, 0.5, 1.0, 1.5, and 2.0%) of Moringa oleifera leaf meal. Results: The M. oleifera leaf meal was rich in crude protein and fibre. Significant improvements were observed on the growth traits, nutrient utilization, and serum biochemistry in quails fed on M. oleifera leaf meal based diets. The M. oleifera leaf meal based diets reduced feed cost per kilogram of live weight gain in quails by Rs. 9.80-45.84. Interpretation: An inclusion level of 2% Moringa oleifera leaf meal was found to be optimal for all the parameters analyzed, and may therefore be recommended in the diets of broiler Japanese quails to enhance economic returns. Key words: Broiler, Economics, Japanese quails, Moringa oleifera leaf meal