Moringa (Moringa oleifera) as an alternative feed supplement for dairy animals Sahu J.1, Misra A. K.1,*, Biswal S.1, Yadav A.2 1Division of Livestock Production Management, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal, 132001, Haryana, India 2Division of Livestock Production Management, CGKV-Anjora, Durg, 491001, Chhattisgarh, India *Correspondence: mishraak17@yahoo.com
Online published on 22 August, 2023. Abstract Livestock production is very important part of agriculture sector, the dairy industry is particularly of increasing importance. The major constraint for dairy production in India is a shortage of quantity of feeds and fodders round the year which results in underfeeding of livestock and economic losses. To overcome this problem there is a need to identify available alternative feed resources to improve nutrients utilization of and performance of dairy animals. Moringa oleifera is fast growing, drought tolerant and easily adapted to varied ecosystems and farming systems. Moringa oleifera has higher availability across the country and produces leaves throughout the year which makes it suitable to use as a livestock feed. Various parts of this plant such as leaves, roots, seed, bark, fruit, flowers and immature pods has a different types of biological activities like antitumor, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, antiulcer, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antibacterial, immune-modulator, antifungal and lactogenic activities and work as therapeutic as well as preventive agent. It not only contains greater amount of nutrients but also low levels of antinutrients. Therefore, inclusionof Moringa oleifera can be recommended for feeding to dairy animals. Top Keywords Dairy animal, Feed supplement, Moringa, Nutritional value. Top |