Abstract
The purpose of the current study was to explore the supplementing effects of Moringa oleifera leaf powder (MOLP) on plasma and milk biochemical indices and productive/reproductive performance of goats. A total of 30 healthy pregnant goats were randomly distributed (n = 10) into three experimental groups: control (M(0)) group (basal diet without MOLP), M(2%) group (basal diet + 2% MOLP), and M(3.5%) group (basal diet + 3.5% MOLP). The experiment started 2 months before parturition and continued till the first month of lactation. The plasma flavonoids were significantly increased in the M(3.5%) group during the entire experiment, whereas the total phenolic contents were enhanced only during the lactation period depending on the supplementation percentage. The amount of vitamin C increased significantly in M(2%) and M(3.5%) groups as compared to the M(0) group. Supplementation of MOLP improved the plasma total antioxidant capacity by declining malondialdehyde concentration and total oxidant status values. The activities of superoxide dismutase and peroxidase enzymes were modified in M(2%) and M(3.5%) supplemented groups throughout the experiment, while the catalase activity was significantly influenced only during the lactation stage. The protein and lycopene contents in plasma were significantly improved in the M(3.5%) group, whereas the total sugars and carotenoid level was increased in both M(2%) and M(3.5%) groups. Dietary supplementation with 3.5% MOLP more effectively enhanced protease and amylase activities as compared to 2% supplementation. MOLP also improved the biochemical indices and antioxidant status of colostrum and milk. The milk yield, weight gain of the kids, and reproductive performance were high in M(2%) and M(3.5%) groups in comparison to the M(0) group. These findings disclose that supplementing the diet with 3.5% MOLP improves antioxidant status, milk yield, and reproductive performance in goats.