Moringa Oleifera for Enhancing Livestock Performance and Product Quality: A Bibliometric Analysis

Abstract

This bibliometric analysis evaluates global research on Moringa oleifera as a feed supplement for enhancing livestock performance and product quality. A total of 95 peer-reviewed articles published between 2002 and 2023 were retrieved from Web of Science. Bibliometric indicators revealed mean citations per document of 19.89, average co-authors per document of 5.14, and an annual research growth rate of 10.73%. Publication trends demonstrated steady growth over the study period (R² = 0.598; y = 0.6696x – 3.7273), indicating increasing research interest. South Africa led in publications (n = 12) and citations (n = 449), followed by Egypt (n = 11; 273 citations), India (n = 11; 76 citations), China (n = 9; 213 citations), and Mexico (n = 7; 170 citations). International collaboration was highest among Egypt (n = 8 multi-country articles), Mexico (n = 5), South Africa (n = 2), and Nigeria (n = 2). African countries (South Africa, Egypt, Nigeria, Cameroon, Tunisia) and Asian nations (India, China, Indonesia, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran, Japan, South Korea) dominated research output globally. Keyword analysis identified "antioxidant" as the most prominent research theme. Current research focuses primarily on M. oleifera's effects on livestock productivity (meat and milk yield), product quality (particularly antioxidant properties), and sensory acceptance. Future research directions should emphasize the health-promoting properties of Moringa-enhanced livestock products and their potential contributions to sustainable livestock production and human nutrition. This analysis provides a comprehensive overview of research trends and identifies priority areas for advancing knowledge on M. oleifera in animal agriculture.