NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION OF SUBSTITUTING MORINGA OLEIFERA LEAVES MEAL (MOLM) AS A SOURCE OF PROTEIN INSTEAD OF SOYBEAN MEAL IN DIETS OF GROWING RABBITS IN NORTH SINAI

The objective of this study was to evaluate the utilization of Moringa oleifera leaves meal (MOLM) as a source of protein in feeding growing rabbits. Thirty six weaned New Zealand white rabbits of both sexes aged 6 wk and weighted 858 g were randomly divided into three groups (12 each). Rabbits were fed ad-libitum diets containing 0, 7.5 and 15% MOLM for groups T0, T7.5 and T15, respectively as a subtitute for soybean meal. Fresh water was supplied ad-libitum during the experimental period (8 wk). At the end of experimental period, digestibility trials were carried out to determine the digestibility of feed nutrients and the feeding values of experimental diets. Three rabbits from each group were slaughtered to evaluate carcass traits and some blood parameters. Results revealed that substituting MOLM instead of soybean meal in rabbit’s diets did not significantly affect live body weight (LBW), daily weight gain (DWG) and total feed intake (TFI). Meanwhile, feed conversion ratio was significantly affected by inclusion of MOLM in the diet, however, control group (T0) recorded the best value (4.28) followed by 15% MOLM (4.43) while 7.5% MOLM reflected worst value (4.65). All nutrient digestibilies, except CF and nutrient values   (TDN, DCP and DE) of experimental diets were significantly decreased with increasing MOLM level in the diet. All carcass traits were not affected by dietary treatments. There were no significant differences among dietary treatments in most blood constituents (total protein, bilirubin, cholesterol, urea-N, creatinine, ALT and AST). Glucose, albumin, globulin and Alb/ Glo ratio were significantly affected by MOLM inclusion in the diet. Glucose was increased (p<0.05) in rabbits fed MOLM diets compared to the control. Albumen and Alb/ Glo ratio were decreased (p<0.05). However, globulin was increased in rabbits fed 7.5% MOLM compared to those fed MOLM-free diet or 15 % MOLM. All blood biochemical parameters were within the normal range for healthy rabbits. IgM and Anti-nuclear Antibody (ANA) were increased (p<0.05) in MOLM diets compared with the control. Economic efficiency (E. E) and relative E. E (%) were increased by increasing MOLM level in the diets. It could be concluded that Moringa oleifera leaves meal can be used as a substitute of soybean meal as a source of protein in rabbit’s diets without detrimental effects on productive performance, health status and economic efficiency.