Study on feeding Azolla (Azolla piñnata) for rearing broiler poultry birds.
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Date
2016-07-16
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CSKHPKV, Palampur
Abstract
Abstract
This study was conducted to generate information regarding feeding Azolla (Azolla piñnata) for
rearing broiler poultry birds. Specifically it aimed to 1) Evaluate the biological growth performance of
broiler birds offered Azolla meal (AZM) with soybean meal at different nutrient densities alone and in
combinations with additives. 2) Effect on blood biochemistry viz. calcium, phosphorus and cholesterol. 3)
Economics of substituting Azolla meal (AZM) with soybean meal (SBM). An experiment was conducted
on 110, day old commercial poultry broiler chicks which were divided into 5 main groups (1 control + 4
treatments) within 2 replicates having 11 chicks in each replicate. Four levels of Azolla (2.5 per cent, 2.5
per cent + enzymes (Hizyme & Phytase (PE)), 5.0 per cent and 5.0 per cent + enzymes (Hizyme & Phytase
(PE)) served as components of T1, T2, T3, and T4 respectively, where as treatment T0 served as standard
control diet. These dietary treatments were arranged in randomized block design. The substitution with dry
Azolla with and without Hizyme (carbohydrase) and Phytase enzyme as an ingredient compared to a
standard formulated conventional diet was done in a way that the crude protein and metabolisable energy
values were similar in all treatments (T1, T2, T3, T4) and control (T0). Overall growth performance of the
Azolla fed groups (T1, T2, T3, T4) was found to be comparable to the birds offered standard soybean based
formulated feed (T0). Growth performance did not exhibit any significant (P<0.05) difference concluding
that Azolla as unconventional feed ingredient was successful in replacing soybean meal without affecting
the growth performance. Whereas feed intake per unit gain in live weight was found to be significantly
(P<0.05) higher for the Azolla fed groups compared to control group, but 2.5 per cent substitution of
Azolla supplemented with enzymes exhibited lower feed conversion ratio compared to treatment offered 5
per cent substituted Azolla. It was also observed that the general acceptability of cooked meat is more in
broilers offered Azolla meal at 5 per cent substitution. The breast meat yield and cooking yield value was
significantly higher in Azolla fed groups. There was increase in gizzard weight as well gizzard thickness in
treatment groups offered 2.5 per cent Azolla substituted feed which also exhibited better feed conversion
ratio. The results may be attributed to improved digestibility of nutrients because of better gizzard
functioning and increased gastro duodenal reflexes facilitating the contact between nutrients and digestive
enzymes. The addition of Azolla in the poultry ration did not affect the plasma mineral levels of broilers.
Higher feed intake per unit gain in live weight for the Azolla fed treatments slightly increased the cost of
production leading to slightly lower profits, thus Azolla meal can be used as alternative to soy bean in
broiler birds. Based on the findings it can be concluded that dried Azolla meal can be safely administered
as unconventional feed ingredient in commercial poultry broiler feed up to 5 per cent level without having
any deleterious effect on growth, organoleptic and biochemical parameters and can be used as alternative
to soy bean meal.
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