Nutritional and phytogenic modulation of caprine physiology: a systematic review of Moringa oleifera effects on metabolism, reproductive function, and lactation performance

Introduction Moringa oleifera ( M. oleifera ) is highlighted as a diverse-purpose feed in the nutrition of small ruminants. This is a systematic review that compared its effects on goats based on a predetermined PICO model (Population: goats in different physiological phases; Intervention: dietary M. oleifera in the forms of leaf meal, extract, or silage; Comparison: no interventions; Outcomes: growth performance, antioxidant status, reproduction, and milk yield and quality). Methods The PRISMA guidelines were used to identify the studies from the search included PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar, and the publication window was January 2015 to December 2025 and screened them with systematic eligibility criteria to minimize selection bias. Results and discussion Regular addition of moderate amounts of Moringa supplements had a consistent beneficial effect on nutrient utilization and growth efficiency, and on nitrogen balance, with fibre digestibility improving by around 25%. An intensive antioxidant response was observed, as evidenced by significant increases in enzymatic defenses (e.g., superoxide dismutase upsurge by more than 100% at certain phases) and dramatic decreases in lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde drops by approximately 70%). Reproductive performance was positively affected by an improvement in endocrine functionality, and progesterone levels during early pregnancy rose up to ~90%.” in supplemented doses, and litter size and offspring viability improved. The benefits of lactational responses were improved milk output and production of milk fat and protein, in addition to a more desirable composition of fatty acids and enhanced oxidative stability of milk. The evidence is that M. oleifera is a highly nutritional phytogenic nutraceutical capable of enhancing metabolic efficiency, oxidative balance, reproductive performance, and quality of milk in goats. It produces benefits at moderate dietary inclusion levels, with physiological optimization as opposed to maximal dosing.