Abstract

STUDIES ON LOW COST LIVE STOCK FEED BY AZOLLA SPECIES SUPPLEMENTATION FOR LOCAL VARIETY OF BROILER CHICKEN

Darsi Phebe Sarah Koti Ratnam*

ABSTRACT

Four Azolla species like A. mexicana, A. circinata, A. rubra and A. pinnata were used as live stock feed for broiler chickens in this experiment. Different concentrations (5, 10, and 20%) of feed were supplemented to chicks from 6 to 16 weeks. Among them 10% supplement of A. mexicana feed the chicks showed maximum weight 2950±2.9 was recorded. 10% Azolla live stock feed showed maximum weight gain was showed by broiler chicks in this study. Nutritive value of Azolla is well documented which shows that it is a good source of protein with almost all essential amino acid required for animals. Poultry and in particular ducks and chickens can be raised on a diet including fresh Azolla. All these facts suggested that Azolla can be used as unconventional feed with protein supplement for many species including poultry and fish respectively.

Keywords: Azolla, Broiler chicken, Poultry.