Introduction
Dairy cows and other ruminants heavily rely on forages as their primary feed source. The physical and chemical properties of these forages significantly influence the ruminal ecosystem and nutrient digestibility (Koakoski et al., 2024). However, in many tropical countries, including Bangladesh, livestock productivity is hampered by feed shortages and the lack of quality feed. The predominant feeding system in these regions is based on low-nutritional-value crop residues, which often leads to poor digestibility (Babeker and Bdalbagi, 2015).
In Bangladesh, low-quality roughages such as rice straw, roadside grasses, and naturally grown grass from agricultural and fallow lands are the most common sources of feed. Concentrate feeds, primarily derived from agricultural products and by-products of grains and cereals, are often imported and expensive, leading to competition between human and livestock feed needs. This scenario necessitates the exploration of alternative feed resources, particularly unconventional feeds that can enhance livestock productivity.
Recent research highlights the potential of tree parts, particularly Moringa oleifera, as an alternative feed resource for ruminant livestock. Moringa leaves are rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals, making them an excellent addition to animal diets (Sultana et al., 2021; Akintunde et al., 2024). The incorporation of moringa in livestock diets has been associated with improved health, productivity, and reduced methane emissions, thus presenting a sustainable feeding option (Amad and Zentek, 2023).
Moringa Oleifera: A Nutritional Powerhouse
Moringa oleifera, often referred to as the “miracle tree,” is recognized for its exceptional nutritional value. The leaves contain approximately 26% protein when dried, along with essential vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals (Akintunde et al., 2024). In Bangladesh, the protein content of moringa leaves ranges from 11% to 34%, making them a valuable protein source during periods of forage scarcity (Foidl et al., 2001; Pankajakshan and Arunima, 2020).
Every part of the Moringa plant is edible and contains compounds beneficial for both human and livestock health (Kadhim and AL-Shammaa, 2014). Research indicates that moringa can achieve significant biomass production under optimal conditions, with yields ranging from 10 to 20 tons per hectare annually, depending on soil quality, irrigation, and management practices (Huque et al., 2016; Ahmed et al., 2020).
The Study: Assessing Moringa’s Impact on Local Red Chittagong Cattle
This study aimed to evaluate the biomass yield, nutritional composition, preservation techniques of Moringa oleifera, and its effects on the milk production and quality of local Red Chittagong cattle (RCC). The RCC breed, native to Bangladesh, is characterized by its reddish color and smaller size compared to other breeds. Despite the low nutritional value of the offered feed, RCC cows exhibit high levels of milk protein and fat, indicating their adaptability to low-quality diets.
Materials and Methods
The experiment was conducted at the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) in Savar, Dhaka, from August 2019 to August 2020. Moringa seeds were germinated and cultivated, and the biomass yield was assessed. The study utilized a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with four replications of each variety. The nutritional composition of moringa silage was analyzed, and its effects on milk production and quality were evaluated in lactating RCC.
Results
The results indicated significant variations in biomass yield among different moringa varieties. The Paraynal variety exhibited the highest biomass yield, followed by PKM-1 and PKM-2. Nutritional analysis revealed that the crude protein content was highest in the Black variety, followed by Paraynal, PKM-1, and PKM-2.
Moringa silage significantly increased milk yield by approximately 14.17% compared to the control group. While milk composition in terms of protein, lactose, and solid-non-fat did not show significant differences, the fat content was notably higher in the moringa silage group. Furthermore, the incorporation of moringa silage resulted in a reduction in cholesterol levels in the milk, indicating potential health benefits for consumers.
Discussion
The findings of this study underscore the potential of Moringa oleifera as a valuable feed resource for enhancing livestock nutrition in Bangladesh. The high biomass yield and nutritional composition of moringa make it an ideal candidate for supplementing traditional feed sources. The increase in milk production and quality observed in RCC cows fed moringa silage highlights its effectiveness in improving livestock productivity.
Previous studies have also reported similar benefits of incorporating moringa into livestock diets, reinforcing its role as a sustainable feed option. The reduction in cholesterol levels in milk from moringa-fed cows aligns with findings that suggest the health benefits of diets rich in polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) (Hoffman and Wiklund, 2006).
Conclusion
In conclusion, Moringa oleifera presents a promising solution to the challenges of livestock nutrition in Bangladesh. Its high biomass yield, nutritional value, and positive effects on milk production and quality make it an ideal alternative feed resource. Future research should focus on further evaluating the long-term benefits of moringa silage on dairy and beef cattle production, as well as its potential to contribute to sustainable livestock farming practices.
Data Availability Statement
The original contributions presented in this study are included in the article. Further inquiries can be directed to the corresponding author.
Ethics Statement
The animal study was approved by the Animal Experimentation Ethics Committee of Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute and conducted in accordance with local legislation and institutional requirements.
Author Contributions
The study was conceptualized and executed by a team of researchers, with contributions in data curation, methodology, and writing from all authors.
Funding
This research was funded by the revenue project of the Bangladesh Livestock Research Institute (BLRI) and supported by the Ministry of Fisheries and Livestock, The People’s Republic of Bangladesh.
Conflict of Interest
The authors declare that the research was conducted in the absence of any commercial or financial relationships that could be construed as a potential conflict of interest.
References
The references cited in this article provide a comprehensive overview of the research conducted on Moringa oleifera and its implications for livestock nutrition. For a complete list of references, please refer to the original article.
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