A study on azolla as an economical substitute to soybean based poultry feed was conducted. The experiment consisted of four treatments laid out in Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with five replications. Each experimental unit consisted of three birds. For this purpose, eight-day old, unsexed Hubbard broiler chicks were weighed and randomly assigned to each treatment. Four different levels of azolla meal were incorporated in the starter and finisher ration at a level of 0%, 10%, 15%, and 20% respectively. Body weight, weight gain, feed consumption, and feed efficiency were measured. The average cumulative weekly body weight for all weeks were found to be significantly different (P<0.05) for the various treatments. Maximum cumulative body weight (1360 g) was found in broiler fed T2 ration in 5th week. Similar trend was also observed in 6th week showing highest cumulative weight (1882 g) in control diet (T1) which was at par with T2 (1841 g). Significantly highest (420.3 g) live weight gain was observed in T2 diet during 5th week. Overall mean of weekly feed consumption was recorded highest (784.33 g) in T2 diet. The economic analysis of net income/kg live weight was the highest (Rs 18.86) in T1 which was at par with T2 (Rs 18.35). Likewise, cost of production/bird was highest (Rs 124.5) in T1 and lowest (Rs 112.2) in T4. The results show that azolla meal could be utilized to substitute up to 10% soybean meal from overall production and economic point of view.Int J Appl Sci Biotechnol, Vol 3(4): 619-625

Non-timber Forest Products (NTFPs) play an important role as traditional source for food, fiber, fodder, and medicine and offer income opportunities for poverty alleviation especially in rural households in Nepal who engage in a widespread trade of NTFPs. Adequate planning for sustainable use of NTFPs is imperative so we explored the inventory of multipurpose trees and herbs that are being used as NTFPs in Chitwan, Nepal. 70 households from Sukranagar and Mangalpur VDCs of Chitwan district were randomly selected and personal interviews were taken with them as well as focus group discussions were done. The community had been utilizing 49 plant species from the nearby community forest. Implementation of the policy of community forestry was found to have a positive impact on the sustainable production of NTFPs. More than 80% of the respondents believed that indigenous knowledge promoted sustainable NTFP production. Kurilo (Asparagus officinalis) was found to be the best NTFP for the study site.Various policy level reforms are proposed that will help in improving the sustainable production of NTFPs. Better utilization of NTFPs as well as their conservation is possible with proper trainings given to community forest users.