Chemical composition and the feeding value of Azola (Azolla pinnata) meal for Satpuda poultry feeding.

Biochemical and nutritional studies were carried out to evaluate suitability of azolla (azolla pinnata) as a feed resource in the diet of satpuda poultry. The proximate compositions of experimental broiler starter ration after replacement with Azolla by 2%, 4% and 6% contained 21.31, 21.33, 21.36 %; while in experimental finisher ration contained 19.40, 19.47 and 19.53 % crude protein respectively. The crude fiber content of experimental starter ration was 6.82, 6.99, and 7.16 % while in finisher ration it was 5.82, 6.01, and 6.20 % respectively. Average weekly body weight gain at the end of 8th week ranged from 160.08 to 185.08 g in various treatment groups. Average total weekly feed intake (g/bird) at the end of 8th week of study was 600.08 to 635.13 g under the influence of various treatments. Proximate analysis of the feed product revealed that with the increase in share of Azolla into standard ration, increased nutritive value of the feed, with respect to the crude protein and crude fibre contents, and it was concluded that the diet of satpuda poultry can be formulated with the incorporation of Azolla meal up to 6 %.