Effect of azolla as feed supplement on milk production of lactating buffaloes at Neemuch District of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

Azolla holds the promise of providing a sustainable feed for livestock. Azolla, a floating fern reported to be a very good source of protein, essential mineral elements and vitamins for livestock. The present study was undertaken to know effect of feeding azolla on milk production performance (milk yield, fat%, SNF%) of lactating buffaloes under field conditions. A total of 40 lactating buffaloes were selected and categorized into two groups each having 20 buffaloes. The animals in control group (T0) were fed on conventional ration of paddy straw, green fodder and concentrate mixture as per recommendation of NRC. In the treatment group (T1) 2 kg of fresh azolla was supplemented over conventional ration. The effect of fresh Azolla supplementation in lactating buffaloes was studied in an early lactation period of 90 days. The average milk yield (kg/d) was found significantly higher (P<0.05) in T1(7.4±0.08) than T0 (6.5±0.13). On an average milk yield increase by 0.9 L/day over control group animals. These results showed that supplementing of azolla caused an increase in milk yield by 13.8 %. The average percentage of milk fat, milk protein, SNF showed no significant difference between two groups but the fat% was found higher in T1 as compared to T0. Peak milk yield was also found significantly (P<0.05) higher in azolla fed group than the control group. Thus, it can be concluded that azolla can serve as a potential alternative nutrient supplement for the lactating buffaloes for the improvement of productivity in terms of milk specially where/when green fodder availability is scanty. However, further studies are needed for determining the replacement amount of azolla for concentrate to make it cost effective for farmers.

Feed Conversion Rate, Growth Performance and Biological Effects of Azolla on Poultry and Livestock: A Systematic Review

“…Aside from that, turkeys [20] and broiler ducks [21] were analysed. Sows [14], white Yorkshire pigs [22], and buffaloes [6] were the only livestock that was tested. Broiler chickens are the most well-known poultry that several experts have extensively researched.…”

“…Aside from the biological aspects discussed, there is also information on the animals' milk production. Kerketta et al [6] performed research on lactating buffaloes' milk production. Over six fortnights, the average milk yield (kg/d) was slightly higher (P < 0.05) with the addition of 2 kg Azolla (7.4 ± 0.08) than with standard feed (6.5 ± 0.13).…”

“…Over six fortnights, the average milk yield (kg/d) was slightly higher (P < 0.05) with the addition of 2 kg Azolla (7.4 ± 0.08) than with standard feed (6.5 ± 0.13). According to the findings, Azolla can be used as a possible alternative feed supplement for lactating buffaloes to increase milk productivity since it is a good source of protein, particularly in areas where green fodder is limited [6]. Table 5 presents the key findings on the effect of various biological factors.…”

“…Figure 1 Example of Azolla pinnata cultivation for livestock feed [5] "Green Gold" is a term that dictates Azolla as an economical feed due to its ease of cultivation, as shown in Figure 1 [5]. Azolla crop may generate 540-720 kg of protein monthly [6]. Furthermore, the Azolla's low lignin level, which aids digestion, increases its value.…”

“…Furthermore, the Azolla's low lignin level, which aids digestion, increases its value. Azolla was considered a promising alternative because of its high protein content, which was estimated to be ranged from 21.0% to 25.8% [5][6][7]. Besides, Azolla contained a higher proportion of all essential amino acids than soybean, except for histidine [4].…”