Impact of azolla supplementation on milk yield and economics of dairy animals under on farm trial

Abstract

The present study was conducted to evaluate the impact of Azolla supplementation on milk production performance and economic returns of lactating cows under field conditions through On Farm Trail (OFT). A total of 20 lactating cows were selected and divided into two groups: control (T?), following farmers’ existing feeding practice, and treatment (T?), where Azolla was supplemented in the daily ration. Milk yield was recorded at 30-day intervals up to 120 days. The results revealed a declining trend in milk yield under the control group, with an overall reduction of 8.64 per cent, whereas cows supplemented with Azolla exhibited a consistent increase in milk yield, registering an average improvement of 9.73 per cent over the experimental period. The average milk yield was higher in the Azolla supplemented group (8.00 L/day) compared to the control (6.87 L/day). Economic analysis indicated a reduction in feeding cost from ?190 to ?178 per animal per day after Azolla supplementation, while gross return increased from ?280 to ?320 per day. Consequently, net profit increased by ?52 per animal per day and the benefit-cost ratio improved from 1.47 to 1.80. The study concluded that Azolla supplementation is an effective, low-cost and sustainable nutritional intervention for enhancing milk production and profitability of dairy cows under smallholder farming systems.