ADMINISTRATION OF AQEOUS Moringa olerifera LEAF AND SEED EXTRACTS: EFFECTS ON THE SERUM GLUCOSE AND PROTEIN OF MALE HERITAGE TURKEYS

Abstract

This study examined the effects of Moringa olerifera leaf and seed extracts on the serum glucose as well as total protein levels of male heritage turkey. A total of 36 male turkeys were used for the study which was assigned into four treatment groups. The treatment groups were administered 0 gram of Moringa (T1), 1 gram of Moringa seed alone (T2) combination of 0.5g of Moringa seed and 0.5gram of Moringa leaf (T3) and lastly 1 gram of Moringa leaf alone (T4) . Blood samples were collected at 36 weeks of age. The result showed that the glucose level was significantly (p<0.05) high in T1 (control) 144.33+ 2.03, T2 (147.67± 4.63), T3 (151.00 ±1.16) than T4 (leaf extracts) 130.66 ± 4.48. The total protein levels differed significantly (p<0.05) among the treatments. T4 3.933 + 0.090 was highest (p< 0.05) when compared to T2 3.10 ± 0.20 and T3 3.26 ± 0.14 and then T1 2.34 ± 0.09. This shows that the Moringa leaf and seed extracts had effects on the male turkey serum glucose and total protein levels. The leaf extract lowered the serum glucose level most, while improving the protein quality of the blood at the same time. Thus,confirming that the plant Moringa has the ability to lower glucose levels in the blood.