Livestock production in developing countries faces numerous challenges, including a scarcity of feed resources, limited regional availability, and compromised quality. These difficulties are further compounded by the effects of climate change, resulting in a significant decline in ruminant productivity. Therefore, there is a pressing need to utilize adaptable and resilient forage plants that can also help mitigate greenhouse gas emissions (1).
Moringa Oleifera possesses not only a high nutritional profile (protein, fat, and minerals) but it is also an excellent source of biologically active compounds. Therefore, it is known as a miracle or a multipurpose tree (3).
(3). Moreover, it has been widely recognized as one of the most extensively used fodder crops with potential as a browse plant for ruminant dietary supplementation. Additionally, it is considered an advantageous and ideal tree for agroforestry (2). Moringa Oleifera has demonstrated its ability to thrive in harsh conditions while producing substantial biomass within a short period. It contains elevated levels of nutrients and biologically active components. Every part of the Moringa tree holds value and offers multiple benefits and applications. Consequently, M. Oleifera exhibits immense potential as a forage crop to enhance ruminant performance and improve the livelihoods of farmers in tropical regions. Numerous studies have emphasized that M. Oleifera can be utilized as green fodder either independently or in conjunction with other crops or concentrate feeds to enhance ruminant performance, including growth rate, milk yield, and milk constituents without adversely affecting animal health. Thus, incorporating Moringa into livestock feed can make a sustainable contribution towards strengthening animal production, particularly in countries with limited feed resources (1).
References:
1-Amad, A.A. and Zentek, J., 2023. The use of Moringa oleifera in ruminant feeding and its contribution to climate change mitigation. Frontiers in Animal Science, 4, p.1137562.
2-Horn, L., Shakela, N., Mutorwa, M.K., Naomab, E. and Kwaambwa, H.M., 2022. Moringa oleifera as a sustainable climate-smart solution to nutrition, disease prevention, and water treatment challenges: a review. Journal of Agriculture and Food Research, p.100397.
3-Rizwan, N., Rizwan, D., and Banday, M. T. (2022). Moringa oleifera: the miracle tree and its potential as non- conventional animal feed: a review. Agric. Rev.1–11.