Effect of azolla feeding on the growth performance of improved native chicken breeds under Backyard rearing

Abstract

The study aimed to evaluate the effect of azolla supplementation on body weight gain and economic efficiency in improved native chicken breeds under intensive rearing. Twenty chicks were randomly assigned to two treatment groups, each with three replicates of ten birds. The control group (T1) was fed a standards basal diet, while the treatment group (T2) received a diet supplemented with 10% fresh azolla. The feeding trial lasted for 16 weeks. No significant differences were observed in body weight gain between the azolla fed and control groups. However, cost benefit analysis indicated higher economic efficiency in the azolla fed group. The findings suggest that incorporating fresh azolla up to 10% level in the diet of native chickens can enhance economic returns without adversely affecting growth performance.