Effect of Supplementing Azolla microphylla on Feed Intake and Blood Parameters in Growing Crossbred Female Calves

A study was conducted on 12 crossbred female calves distributed into two groups to assess the effect of supplementing Azolla microphylla on feed intake and blood parameters. The animals in group T₀ were fed with conventional ration consisting of paddy straw and concentrate mixture in 1: 1 ratio. In group T₁, fresh Azolla microphylla was supplemented @ 1.5 kg/animal (equivalent to 90 g DM) replacing equivalent weight of concentrate mixture on DM basis. The feed intake was similar in both the groups, however, growth rate was better (P<0.01) in group T₁. No significant differences were observed with regard to Hb, RBC, WBC, glucose, NEFA, α-amino nitrogen, urea N, total protein, albumin, ALT and AST between the two groups. The concentration of GH, T₃, T₄ and leptin was also similar in two groups. Therefore, supplementation of Azolla microphylla @ 1.5 kg/day/animal on fresh basis did not affect feed intake, the levels of blood metabolites, haematological indices and hormones in crossbred growing heifers showing no adverse effect on health.