Impact of Azolla(Azollapinnata) as a feed ingredient in commercial broiler Production

Mahanthesh, M. T1*., AparnaHebbar, H2., Kotresh Prasad, C3., Badariprasad, P. R4., Deepandita Barman5., Narappa, G6., Pradeep Nag, B. S7.

1,4Scientists, 6Farm manager,

ICAR – KrishiVigyan Kendra, Koppal-583 227 (Karnataka)

2,3,5,7Ph.D. Scholars, National Dairy Research Institute, Karnal- 132 001 (Haryana)

*Corresponding author-

Abstract:

The study was conducted during summer season in a private ownedorganized poultry farm having broiler stock of 4400one-day-old male vencobb broiler chicks. The experiment comprised of two treatments, wherein birds of first treatment were fed with commercial broiler feedand the birds insecond treatment were fed with 70% commercial broiler feed and 30% Azolla on W/w basis. Parameters such as average body weight gain (AWG), Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) and mortality rate were studied up to 45 days. Theincrease in 7.1% of AWG in Azolla fed birds against the birds fed with 100% commercial feed was observed. Similarly, bird mortality was reduced by 3% in Azolla fed birds compared to 100% commercial feed birds. There was a significant increase in FCR in Azolla fed birds (1:1.14) against (1:2.14) in 100% commercial feed birds. The total cost of production was also reduced by 25.34% in Azolla fed batch against 100% commercial fed birds.The carcass efficiency percentage and chicken taste was good as per consumer opinion. Off smell in and around the poultry farm was almost reduced and the house flies population hardly seen. Hence, high feed cost, high bird mortality rate during summer, off smell and house fly menace can be reduced by cultivation of Azolla in and around poultry farm and fed to the poultry birds.

Key words: Azolla meal, broiler, body weight, Feed Conversion Ratio

1

Introduction.

Feed is the single largest item of expenditure in any rearing system accounting to nearly two third of the total cost of production. Therefore, formulation of an economic concentrate ration can considerably reduce the cost of production(Prasad et al., 2015). The Indian poultry industry has a significant effect on national economy; it is a popular industry for the landless farmers, small holders as well as to the marginal land holders with tremendous contribution to GDP and employment creation. Poultry feed costs more than 70% of the total cost of broiler production and also the fluctuating market price leading to the further reduction in income (Parthasarathyet al., 2002). Therefore, it is inevitable to practice the efficient feed formulation strategy for sustaining the poultry industry. The main objective of this study is to formulate the poultry feed using locally available feed ingredients such as Azolla and to reduce the cost of feeding in poultry. Therefore, to reduce the problem of high cost feed,Azolla has been introduced as an alternate feed ingredient in broiler poultry feed ratio. Azolla in dried form is not preferred by the birds and hence the use of fresh biomass is an excellent poultry feed with no side effects, about 20-25% of commercial feed can be replaced by the incorporation of fresh Azolla biomass (Subhudi and Singh, 1978). Due to ease of cultivation, high productivity and good nutritive value it is used as a beneficial fodder supplement by various researchers (Singh & Subudhi, 1978; Prabina & Kumar, 2010).

Azolla is very rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (vitamin A, B12 and β-Carotene), growth promoter intermediaries and minerals like calcium, phosphorous, potassium, ferrous, copper, magnesium etc.Crude Protein 26.4%, Ether extract 3.42%, Crude fibre 15.96%, Nitrogen free extract 41.06%, Total ash 14.86%. The carbohydrate and fat content of Azolla is very low. Its nutrient composition makes it a highly efficient and effective feed for livestock as per the report of Natural Resources Development Project Vivekananda Kendra, Tamil Nadu (Pillai et al., 2005)and the cultivation of Azolla is very simple and productivity is also good (Prabha and Kumar, 2010). The protein composition of Azolla varies from 25-35% on dry matter basis which is easily digested by poultry (Parashuramuluet al., 2013).Azollapinnata is used as a feed for broiler chicken (Basaket al., 2002; AlaladeIyayi, 2006; Balaji et al., 2009; Dhumal et al., 2009; Bolka, 2011), ducks (Beceraet al., 1995), fish (Nwanna and Falaye, 1997), pigs (Becerra et al., 1990), rabbits (Sadeket al., 2010), small ruminants (Tamang and Samanta, 1993) and ruminants (Indira et al., 2009). The nutrient composition of Azolla is almost identical to that of commercial poultry feed, except that Azolla’shigh protein content and slightly less of calcium content is high and calcium content is slightly low (Kamalasananaet al., 2002).

Materials and Methods:

Experimental birds and feed:

The study was conducted during summer season in private owned poultry farm having broiler stock of 4400 birds of one-day-old male vencobb broiler chicks. The experiment comprised two treatments, where in birds of first treatment were fed with 100% (w/w)of Venky’svencobb commercial broilerfeed and the birds of second treatment were fed with 70% (w/w) of Venky’svencobb commercial broiler feed and 30% (w/w) ofAzolla.

Experimental set-up:

In the present study, 1 day old male chicks weighing39±2 g each were used as experimental material and a completely randomized design experiment was conducted in a privately owned broiler poultry farm at village Sangapur, Koppal, Karnataka, India during summer 2013-14.

The experiment comprised two treatments, wherein, about 2200 birds of first treatment were fed with of commercial broiler feed (Venky’svencobb broiler commercial feed) and the birds of second treatment were fed with 70% (w/w) commercial broiler feed and 30% (w/w) Azolla. The lighting programme during experimental period consisted of a period of 23 hour and one hour of darkness and chickens were kept in an open sided partitioned deep litter pens with adequate ventilation.The floor was covered with wood shavings to act as adsorbent for the fecal droppings. The feeding and water troughs were cleaned daily to ensure there was no contamination. All the necessary prophylactic and vaccination schedules were followed.

The parameters such as final average body weight, Feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality percentage was calculated with the formulae.

  1. Average body weight= Total weight of all the birds

Total No. of Birds

  1. FCR= Total body weight gained

Total feed consumed

  1. Mortality (%) = Total birds died

Total No. Birds

Statistical analysis

The data were subjected to test of significance between the groups using least-square analysis of variance. (Snedecor and Cochran, 1980). Significant group means were subjected to Duncan’s multiple range test (Duncan, 1955).

Results and discussion

Body weight gain:

The male broiler chicks were weighed initially at day one and subsequently every week interval till at the end of experimental period (45th day). The average weight gain was calculated as compared to 100% (w/w) of Venky’svencobb commercial broiler fed group, the 30% (w/w) ofAzollafed group showed an increased average body weight gain of 150 gramsper broiler bird (7.1%) at 45 days age (Table 1). Our results are in full agreement with the previous reports of Azolla as a feed ingredient for broiler birds (Raiet al., 2012). Whereas,Basaket al. (2002) and Parthasarathyet al. (2002) reported significant (P<0.01) improvement in live weight of broiler chicks than that of control diet fed birds when they were fed with 5 percent Azolla meal, while lower live weights percent of Azolla is increased above and concluded that the Azolla could safely be included at 5 % level, replacing 2.6 % wheat bran and 2.4 % fish meal without any adverse effect.In the present experiment the results shows the positive trend in the body weight gain in Azolla supplemented groupso it can be used as a feed supplement to enhance productivity. Further research with different levels of azolla mix with other commercial feed will through more light on its practical utility.

Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR):

FCR is more in 30% of Azolla fedgroup(1:1.97) as compare to the 100% commercial broiler fed group (1:2.12). Previous workers have reported the use of Azolla supplement to enhance the FCR and body weight gain (Alalade and Iyayi,2006) and the result of the present study with 30% Azolla also confirms the increases FCR and body weight gain.But results are in contrary to Parthasarathyet al. (2002) as they reported that the feed and protein efficiency ratios were similar in basal and 5 %Azolla diets whereas, these were significantly (P<0.01) decreased as level of Azolla increased from 10 to 20 %.

Birds Mortality:

There was reduction in mortality rate in 30% of Azolla (w/w) supplemented birds compared to 70% of (w/w) commercial diet. As the mortality rate is higher during summer season (McDougaldandMcQuistion,1980) birds protection via modification in the diet is a cheapest strategy. The reduction in mortality was observed in Azolla fed birds only 2% against 5% in 100% commercial feed fed group. This could be due to the biochemical composition of Azolla such as antioxidants, carotene, moisture content and other vital nutrient components.

Reduction in house fly population:

Houseflies and mosquito menace is an age old problem associated with poultry farming. There were multiple reports of managing via chemicals (Trimethoxam,Cryomezin),Azolla fully cover on water surface prevents mosquito breeding and development (Rajendaran and Reuben, 1998) but none of the literature is availablepertaining to the house flies management via poultry feed modification with Azolla . In the present study the reduction in the fly population was observed. This could be due to the nitrogen fixing ability ofAzolla in association with symbiotic blue green algaeAnabaena azollae(Becking, 1979).

Cost of Production:

The economics was worked out by comparing the expenditure incurred on total amount of feed consumed by broilers up to 45 days from income obtained after selling. The average weight produced was 2,063.23 g and 2,210.85 g in control and treatment group. The respective output price @ Rs. 80 / kg live weight at the end of experiment was Rs. 3,51,120.00 for 4389 kg live weight produced and Rs. 3,88,080.00 for 4,851 kg live weight produced in control and treatment group respectively. Thus the net profit was Rs. 60, 810.00 in controland Rs. 1,19,340.00 in T2 yielding a cost benefit ratio of 1 : 0.21 and 1 : 0.44in control and treatment respectively. (Table.3). The previous studies concluded that 20% of commercial feed could be replaced by supplementing fresh Azollain the diet(Subudhi and Singh,1978) will reduce the cost of feed and weight gain increases.

Conclusion:

The studyreveals that the use of 30% of Azolla (w/w) along with 70% commercial feed in poultry broiler diet increases the body weight gain, improves the FCR, reduce the mortality rate due to heat stress during summer and reduce the cost of production of broiler. In addition, off smell and house fly population and mosquito menace can be reduced by growing azolla in and around the poultry farm and fed to the poultry birds.

Table 1. Weekly body weight of broilers

Age in Week / Body weight gain in grams / P value
Control / Treatment
I / 164.84 ± 1.72 / 176.05 ± 1.57 / 0.00**
II / 425.01 ± 3.17 / 441.10 ± 3.37 / 0.00**
III / 840.57 ± 4.18 / 870.05 ± 5.48 / 0.00**
IV / 1230.80 ± 20.89 / 1260.92 ± 8.42 / 0.18
V / 1726.69 ± 35.14 / 1770.73 ± 17.61 / 0.26
VI / 2102.23 ± 16.00 / 2250.05 ± 16.23 / 0.00**

Table 2.Average Daily Gain (ADG) of broilers

Age in Week / ADG in grams / P value
Control / Treatment
I / 23.53 ± 0.25 / 25.10 ± 0.22 / 0.01**
II / 37.17± 0.46 / 37.97 ± 0.52 / 0.25
III / 59.46 ± 0.53 / 69.21± 0.92 / 0.14
IV / 55.62 ± 3.04 / 56.01 ± 1.27 / 0.90
V / 70.84± 3.42 / 72.83 ± 2.71 / 0.81
VI / 53.65 ± 3.58 / 68.47 ± 16.23 / 0.00**

Table 3.Cost of production and economics

Parameter / Control / Treatment
Quantity of commercial broiler feed per chick/day (grams) / 100 / 70
Quantity of feed fed till 45 days/ 2200 broiler chick (kgs) / 9900 / 6930
Quantity of Azolla fed /broiler chick/day (grams) / - / 30
Quantity of Azolla fed /2200 broiler chicks/ 45 days (kgs) / - / 2970
  1. Expenditure

Cost of commercial chicks (Rs. 18 / chick) / 39,600 / 39,600
Cost of commercial broiler feed / 2,47,500 / 1,73,250
Cost of production of Azolla /kg (Rs. 4 X 2970 kg) / - / 11,880
Labour wages for Azolla production and maintenance (135 men days X Rs.300/men days) / - / 40, 500
Labor cost (45 men days) / 5,000 / 5,000
Electricity and miscellaneous (Rs. 1 / chick) / 2,200 / 2,200
  1. Total expenditure
/ 2,94,300 / 2,72,430
  1. Income

Selling of birds (Rs. 80 /kg live weight) / 3,51,120
(4389 kg) / 3,88,080
(4,851 kg)
Selling of litter / 3,000 / 3,000
Selling of gunny bags / 990 / 690
  1. Net income
/ 3,55,110 / 3,91,770
Net profit (b-d) / 60, 810 / 1,19,340
Cost of production (Rs./kg) / 67.05 / 56.16
Cost- benefit ratio / 1: 0.21 / 1:0.44

Acknowledgement:Authors are thankful to the University of Agricultural Sciences, Raichur, Karnataka and ICAR, New Delhi for providing necessary facilities and funds to carry out this work. We also thank Sri Sailaxmi poultry farm, Sangapura for their co-operation in rearing of broiler birds.

References:

1

  1. Alalade and Iyayi, E.A. 2006. Chemical composition and the feeding value of Azollapinnata meal for egg-type chicks. Intntnl. J. of Poult. Sci., 2:137-141.
  2. Basak, B., Pramanik, A.H., Rahmnan, M.S., Taradar S.U. and Roy, B.C. 2002. Azolla (Azollapinnata) as a feed ingredient in broiler ration. Intntnl. J. of Poult. Sci., 1: 29-24.
  3. Becerra, M., Murgueitio, E., Reyes, G. and Preston, T. R. 1990. AzollaFiliculoides as Partial Replacement for Traditional Protein Supplements in Diets for Growing-Fattening Pigs Based on Sugar Cane Juice.Livest. Res. for Rur. Development, 2:15-22.
  4. Becerra, M., Preston, T. R., Ogle, B. 1995. Effect of replacing whole boiled soya beans with azolla in the diets of growing ducks. Livestock Research for Rural Development Volume 7, Article #26. Retrieved February 18, 2016, from
  5. Becking, J. H. 1979. Environmental requirements of Azolla for the use of tropical rice production. In: Nitrogen and Rice. International Rice Research Institute. Los Banos. Leguna. Phillipines, pp: 345-374.
  6. Kamalasanana Pillai., Premalatha, S. and Rajamony, S. 2005.The Natural Resources Development Project (NARDEP), Vivekananda Kendra, TN, LEISA MAGAZINE.

7.McDougald, L. R.,McQuistion, T. E.1980. Mortality from heat stress in broiler chickens influenced by anticoccidial drugs. Poult Sci. 59:2421-3.

  1. Nwanna, L.C. and Falaye, A.E. 1997. Substitution of Azolla meal for groundnut cake in diets for Nile tilapia, Oreochromisniloticus (L). Applied Tropical Agri., 2: 139-143.
  2. Parashuramulu, S., Swain, P.S. and Nagalakshmi, D. 2013. Protein fractionation and in vitro digestibility of Azollain ruminants. J. of Anim. Feed Res.,3(3):129-132.
  3. Parthasarathy, R., Kadrivel, R. and Kathaperumal, V. 2002. Azolla as a partial replacement for fishmeal in boiler rations. Indian Vet. J., 79:144-146.
  4. Prabha, B.J. and Kumar, K. 2010. Dried Azollaas a nutritionally rich cost effective and immuno-modulatory feed supplement for broilers. Asian J. of Anim. Sci., 5(1): 20-22.
  5. Rai, R.B., Dhama, K., Damodaran, T., Hamid, A., Rai, S., Singh, B. and Bhatt, P. 2012. Evaluation of Azolla (Azollapinnata) as a poultry feed and its role in poverty alleviation among landless people in northern plains of India. Vet. Practitioner, 13(2): 250-254.
  6. Rajendaran, R. and Reuben, R. 1988. Laboratory evaluation of the water fern, Azollapinnata for mosquito control. J. of Biological Control, 2: 114-116.
  7. Sadek, M. F., Fatma., Ahmed, G., Hanan, A. M., Hassanein., Marvat, M., Arafa. And Elham, M. 2010. Using of azolla silage in growing rabbits feeding. Egyptian J. Rabbit Sci.,20: 67-82.
  8. Singh, P.K. and Subudhi, B. P. R. 1978. Utilization of Azolla in poultry feed. Indian Farming, 27:37-39.
  9. Singh,.P. ( 1977). Azolla plants as fertilizer and feed. Indian Farming, 27:19.
  10. Sreemannarayana, O., Ramachamdraiah, K., Sudarshan, K. M., Ramanaiah, N. V., Ramaprasad, J. 1993. Utilization of azolla as rabbit feed. Indian Vete. J.,70: 285-286.
  11. Subudhi, B. P. R. and Singh, P. K. 1978. Nutritive Value of Water Fern Azolla for Chicks. Poultry J.,57: 378-380.
  12. Tamang, Y., Samanta, G., Chakraborty, N., Mondal, L. 1993. Nutritive value of Azolla (Azollapinnata) and its potentiality of feeding in goats. Environment and Ecology, 10: 755-756.
  13. Yadav, R. K. and Abrahim, G. 2014. Advancement in the utilization of Azolla-Anabaena system in relation to sustainable agricultural practices. Proceedings Indian National Science academy, 80 : 301-316.
  14. Kotresh Prasad, C., John Abraham and Balusami, C. 2015. Economics of replacing conventional protein source with poultry carcass meal in grower Malabari kids. Indian J. Vet and Anim. Sci. Res. 44(6):416-420.

1