Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation enhances egg quality parameters and commercial value in laying hens.

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf supplementation shows promise for enhancing egg quality in commercial poultry production where feed costs comprise 60%-70% of total expenses. However, systematic dose-response studies evaluating optimal supplementation levels remain limited. This study evaluates graduated Moringa supplementation effects (1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5%) on egg quality parameters and production performance in commercial laying hens. One hundred twenty-five Lohmann Brown hens (33-week-old) were randomly allocated into five groups ( n = 25) over 10 weeks. Four groups received Moringa supplementation at 1, 1.5, 2, and 2.5% inclusion rates; controls received standard feed. Environmental conditions maintained 12.5 ± 1 °C with commercial feed provided at 114.8 g per hen per day between 7:30-9:30 a.m. Moringa nutritional analysis used standardized methods (Kjeldahl, Soxhlet, atomic absorption spectrophotometry). Weekly egg quality assessment employed DET6500 ® Digital Egg Tester evaluating weight, eggshell hardness, thickness, albumin height, Haugh unit, and yolk coloration. Statistical analysis used GLMM with Bonferroni post-hoc testing ( p < 0.05). Ecuadorian Moringa leaves demonstrated exceptional nutritional composition: 36.08% protein, superior antioxidant capacity (DPPH: 326.5 μmol TE/g, ABTS: 823 μmol TE/g), and high mineral density (1,408 mg calcium/100 g, 9.1 g iron/100 g). The 2.5% supplementation significantly improved egg weight (4.2% increase, p < 0.05), albumin height (7.3% vs. 2% group, p < 0.05), and Haugh units ( p < 0.05). All Moringa groups showed enhanced yolk coloration versus controls (12.78-12.96 vs. 12.40, p < 0.05). While 1% supplementation produced maximum eggshell hardness (5.01 Kgf), 2.5% provided optimal overall quality enhancement. Production performance remained stable across groups. Quality improvements stabilized by weeks 6-8. Moringa supplementation at 2.5% inclusion rate effectively enhances multiple egg quality parameters without compromising production efficiency. Comprehensive improvements enable potential Grade A to AA classification upgrade, representing 12%-15% market value increase versus 3%-4% feed cost increase. Ecuadorian Moringa's superior nutritional profile (complete amino acid composition, exceptional antioxidant capacity, high mineral density) provides the mechanistic foundation for observed improvements. These findings establish evidence-based Moringa supplementation protocols for sustainable premium egg production in commercial operations.