Abstract


Research Report
UNVEILING THE IMPACT OF AZOLLA FILICULOIDES SUPPLEMENTATION ON POULTRY GROWTH AND FEED EFFICIENCY

Shilpa, P. Raikar, Umadevi, K.M., and Sharadadevi Kallimani

Pages: 73-79

Abstract:

Azolla filiculoides, a nutrient-rich aquatic fern, was evaluated for its potential as a dietary supplement to enhance weight gain and feed conversion efficiency (FCR) in poultry. The study was conducted over an 18-week period using 300 chicks, randomly divided into six groups of 50 each. The groups included a control (0% A. filiculoides) and five experimental groups supplemented with varying levels of A. filiculoides (5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, and 25%). The results demonstrated a significant improvement in growth performance and feed efficiency with increasing supplementation levels. The 25% A. filiculoides group achieved the highest weight gain of 1.8139 kg and the lowest FCR of 1.02, compared to the control group, which recorded a weight gain of 1.212 kg and a higher FCR. Aclear inverse relationship was observed between FCR and weight gain, indicating enhanced feed utilization efficiency with higher inclusion levels of A. filiculoides. The lower supplementation levels (5% and 10%) showed minimal effects on growth performance, whereas higher levels (15%, 20%, and 25%) significantly improved weight gain and feed efficiency. These findings highlight the potential of A. filiculoides as an economical, sustainable, and nutritionally effective feed additive for poultry. The study underscores its viability in reducing feed costs while optimizing growth performance, particularly at the 25% inclusion level, making it a promising candidate for sustainable poultry nutrition systems.

Keywords:

Azolla filiculoides

Sustainable poultry nutrition

Broiler growth performance

Feed conversion ratio (FCR)

Cost-effective poultry feed

Poultry production efficiency