Impact of Varying Moringa oleifera Leaf Diets on Productive Performance and Reproductive Characteristics of Nubian Goats

Özet

This study investigated the effects of Moringa oleifera (M. oleifera) supplementation on fetal growth in Nubian goats within the Butana region, utilizing real-time ultrasonography. The research aimed to explore the relationship between gestational age and key fetal measurements, including crown rump length (CRL), biparietal diameter (BPD), and femur length (FL). A total of 200 Nubian female goats, aged 24.00 ± 0.75 months and weighing 46.42 ± 2.96 kg, were randomly selected from a large herd and assigned to four groups (n=50 each) based on their dietary supplementation of M. oleifera: Group A (0%, control), Group B (20%), Group C (40%), and Group D (60%). Pregnancy was confirmed through management practices and transabdominal ultrasound. Fetal measurements were taken at three distinct stages of gestation to assess CRL, BPD, and FL. Results indicated significant differences in CRL measurements at day 45 of gestation (p < 0.05), with Group C exhibiting the highest mean measurement and Group D the lowest. At day 80, significant differences were observed in FL and BPD measurements among the groups (p < 0.05). The study also found significant correlations between CRL, BPD, and FL with gestational age (p < 0.05), with FL demonstrating the strongest positive correlation (R = 0.957), followed by BPD (R = 0.614) and CRL (R = 0.501). In conclusion, M. oleifera supplementation significantly influenced fetal growth parameters, particularly CRL, FL, and BPD. These findings suggest that dietary supplementation of M. oleifera may enhance fetal development in Nubian goats, highlighting its potential benefits in goat husbandry.