Effect of Feeding Azolla (Azolla Pinnata) Based TMR on Growth Performance and Nutrient Utilization in Goats

摘要

Sixteen crossbred weaned female goat kids having body weight 12.82±0.65 kg were divided into four experimentalgroups of four each for a feeding trial of three months. Control group (T1) was fed total mixed ration consisting berseem hay andconcentrate mixture (60:40) as per feeding standards ICAR, 1985. Concentrate mixture comprised of Maize grain (50),groundnut cake (35), wheat bran (12), mineral mixture (2) and common salt (1 part) and had (on %DM) 20.55% CP, 7.83% CF,4.20% EE, 8.73% ash, 58.69 % NFE, 21.26% NDF and 12.51% ADF. In the total mixed ration (TMR) of groups T2, T3 and T4,the concentrate mixture was replaced with sundried azolla on equi-weight basis at 10, 15 and 20% level, respectively. Azollameal (%DM) contained 22.93% CP, 11.63% CF, 2.82% EE, 15.59% ash, 47.03 % NFE, 40.47% NDF and 32.55% ADF. Alldiets were is nitrogenous. Mean dry matter intake throughout feeding trial did not differ significantly due to inclusion of sundried azolla. Up to 15% replacement daily weight gain did not differ significantly. Better FCR was performed by the kids fed10% sundried azolla (T2) followed by T1 (control) and T3 which among themselves did not differ statistically but was significantly(P<0.05) poor in kids fed 20% sundried azolla. There was net saving of Rs. 7.90 and 5.16 for 1 kg body weight gain by replacing10 and 15% concentrate mixture with sun dried azolla, respectively. Dry matter digestibility decreased with increasing level ofazolla in diet. Digestibility values of CP, OM, CF and NFE were not affected up to 15% azolla incorporation. Daily digestiblecrude protein intake, total digestible nutrient intake, DCP and TDN% of ration reduced significantly (P<0.05) at 20% sun driedazolla inclusion. It was concluded that dried azolla can be incorporated up to 15 % of the concentrate mixture of kids withoutany adverse effect.