Effect of Different Levels of Moringa Oleifera Oil on Milk Quality and Quantity of Goat

Moringa oleifera oil, obtained from the leaves of the Moringa oleifera tree, is extremely rich in phytonutrients and antioxidants. This study evaluated the quality and quantity of milk produced by West African dwarf Goats (n = 36) who were fed a Moringa oleifera oil (MOO)-based diet. The experiment was arranged as a completely randomized design, and it lasted for 42 days. Dietary treatments were: basal diet + 0.0 g kg-1 MOO (A, control), basal diet + 0.25 g kg-1 MOO (B), or basal diet + 0.50 g kg-1 MOO (C). Goats were fed the experimental diets and watering ad libitum. Diets were isonitrogenous, but the ether extract content varied from 0.88 (control) to 7.78% (MOO-based diets). The parameters evaluated are milk yield, milk quality (fat, crude protein, true protein, Non-Protein Nitrogen, Casein Nitrogen, Lactose, energy corrected milk, Lactic acid, Density, Solids not fat, freezing point, ash content, pH and Conductivity) There were significant effects of MOO on dry matter intake, milk yield, and energy corrected milk (ECM). Feeding MOO significantly increased milk fat from 5.21% in A to 9.42% in C. Similarly, the milk protein content increased from 3.55% to 5.35, and the milk yield increased from 78.20 to 101.41 kg. The total solids content and solids-not-fat content were significantly enhanced by the supplementation. Conclusively, supplementation of MOO in the diet of lactating goats enhanced milk fat and other nutrient contents of milk without adverse effects on consumption, milk quality and quantity of West Africa dwarf goats. Keywords: Moringa oleifera oil, milk composition, milk yield, lactating goats, proximate composition of feed.