Abstract

The national poultry production has acquired great importance for being an activity of high socioeconomic impact and generates high demand for ingredients. Moringa oleifera has acquired great importance as a nutritional supplement and medicinal plant; therefore, it could represent an alternative as an immune stimulant. The effects of the inclusion of the M. oleifera leaf on the immunological constants of broiler chickens were evaluated. 180 chickens (females) Cobb genetic line were used, distributed in 3 treatments: Control, M10, and M20. Intestinal morphometry and the content of IgY were determined at 21 and 42 days. A completely randomized statistical design was used: ANOVA and comparison of Tukey's means were performed. At 42 days, the height of villi of the duodenum of the Control group obtained the lowest values (1485 μm) with respect to M10 and M20 groups. The height of the jejunum villi was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the M10 group, with respect to the M20 and Control groups. In the depth of the jejunum crypts, there was a difference (P<0.05) between the Control and M20, the latter being the least. The IgY content at 21 days was significantly higher (P<0.05) in the M10 and M20 than in the Control. M. oleifera has a positive effect as an immunostimulant and can be used in animal feeding.

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