Evaluating Growth Response, Hemo-Biochemical Parameters, and Slaughter Performances of Rabbits Fed Moringa oleifera...

Moringa oleifera leaf is known for its many nutritional and nutraceutical properties, which are essential for the growth performance and well-being of the animal. So, in this review, we aim to use meta-analytical procedures to resolve uncertainty, identify knowledge gaps, and create new insights using published data on the effects of M. oleifera leaf meal (MOLM) on growth responses, hemo-biochemical parameters, and slaughter performance of rabbits. Google and electronic databases were employed to search for studies on feeding rabbit MOLM-based diet (MOLMBD), and the data generated were analyzed using OpenMEE software. Sources of heterogeneity were evaluated using rabbit breed, inclusion levels, study periods, and sex. Results reveal that rabbits fed MOLMBD had similar feed intake (standardized mean difference (SMD) = 0.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): -0.19, 0.05; p = 0.001) with higher average daily gain (SMD = 0.86; 95% CI: 0.63; 1.09; p = 0.001) along with an improved feed conversion ratio (FCR) (SMD = -0.90; 95% CI: -1.11, -0.69; p = 0.001). Additionally, MOLM improved white and red blood cells, while lymphocytes, mean corpuscular volume, and mean corpuscular hemoglobin significantly reduced. Blood plasma and slaughter performance were affected positively by a MOLMBD when fed to rabbits. The study revealed that the inclusion levels, breeds, sex, and feeding duration were responsible for inconsistent results among studies. We conclude that feeding rabbits MOLMBD promotes weight gain and FCR and did not significantly affect feed intake (FI). Further research on the production of M. oleifera and its utility on animal feeds is needed.