Moringa Oleifera as a Nutraceutical Resource: Nutritional Profile and Its Impact on Broiler Growth Performance

Abstract

Moringa oleifera Lam (Moringaceae), a highly valued plant native to tropical and subtropical regions, is renowned for its nutritional and medicinal properties, making it a promising resource for both human and animal nutrition. This review aims to comprehensively evaluate the phytochemistry, climatic adaptability, nutritional profile, and effects of M. oleifera as a feed additive in broiler nutrition, with a focus on its potential as a sustainable alternative to antibiotic growth promoters (AGPs) in poultry production. Rich in essential amino acids, vitamins (A, B, C, E), minerals (calcium, potassium, iron), and bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, polyphenols, and antioxidants, M. oleifera exhibits significant medicinal and growth-promoting properties. Numerous studies have explored its incorporation into broiler diets in forms such as M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM), leaf powder (MOLP), and fermented leaf (FMOL) at inclusion levels ranging from 1–5%. While findings vary, moderate inclusion levels (1–5%) often improve key growth performance parameters, including body weight gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio, though higher levels may reduce efficacy due to anti-nutritional factors. This review synthesizes peer-reviewed evidence from 2010–2024 to elucidate M. oleifera’s nutritional composition, optimal dietary inclusion, and impact on broiler health and productivity. By highlighting its role as a functional feed additive, this work underscores M. oleifera’s potential to support sustainable, health-promoting strategies in broiler production in the post-AGP era