Serum Biochemical Profile of Broiler Chickens Fed Moringa oleifera Leaf Meal Supplement in Ibadan

The integration of plant-based feed supplements into poultry production has attracted growing research attention due to concerns about antibiotic resistance and synthetic additive safety. Moringa oleifera, widely cultivated across Nigeria's South West zone, is rich in amino acids, antioxidants, and bioactive compounds that may support hepatic and renal function in broiler chickens. This study evaluated the effects of Moringa oleifera leaf meal supplementation on serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens raised in Ibadan, Oyo State. One hundred and twenty day-old Arbor Acres broiler chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatment groups receiving 0, 2, 4, and 6 percent Moringa leaf meal inclusion levels respectively, with each group replicated three times. At day 42, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture and analysed for alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, and glucose. Results showed that birds supplemented with 4 percent Moringa leaf meal had significantly lower serum ALT and AST activities compared with the control group, suggesting reduced hepatocellular stress. Creatinine and urea levels were within normal ranges across all groups. Total protein and albumin were highest in the 4 percent treatment group. These outcomes indicate that moderate Moringa supplementation may confer hepatoprotective and protein-enhancing benefits in commercial broilers without adverse effects on renal function. Keywords: Moringa oleifera, broiler, biochemistry, liver enzymes, South West Nigeria.