SEED PROTEIN AND MINERALS UTILIZATION FROM MORINGA: TOXICOLOGICAL AND PHYSIOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS OF PHYTO-CHEMICALS AND HEAVY METALS IN FED BROILERS

Abstract

Investigations on the utilization of nutrients from full-fat Moringa oleifera seed meal (FMOSM) and the toxicological and physiological implications of the seeds phytochemicals and heavy metals on utilization of the nutrients were conducted. Dietary FMOSM was offered to broiler chicks at hatch for 4-weeks in a one-way classification design experiment. Response criteria from the birds were determined on nutrients utilization, bioavailability of minerals including heavy metals and effects on blood constituents and metabolites. FMOSM was included in diets at graded levels of 0.00, 7.50, 10.00, 12.50 and 15.00% for diets 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 respectively. Increasing level of virgin seed meal in diets caused a concomitant decrease in almost all the indices measured (p < 0.05), probably due to the anti-nutrients/toxic factors in the unprocessed seed meal. The birds utilized the rich minerals content of M. oleifera including its heavy metals, which prolonged consumption might be inimical to the health status of the experimental animal models. It was therefore concluded that untreated full-fat seed meal be included in diets for poultry not beyond 10% for optimum results