Effect of azolla (azollapinnata) on growth and lipid profiles of broiler chickens

Abstract

Abstract : The experiment was conducted at Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University Poultry farm to measure the effect of Azolla at different levels on the growth performance, profitability, and lipid profiles of broiler chickens to produce safe and profitable broiler. A total of 180 Cobb-500 day-old straight run broiler chicks were distributed into three dietary groups; D, (control-no Azolla), D2 (diet with 5% Azolla), and D3 (diet with 10% Azolla) having four replications in each, and 15 chicks/replication for 35 days of age. The significant differences among the diets for live weight (p<0.05), FCR (p<0.01), and mortality (p<0.001) were found. The highest live weight (1662.83g), and the lowest feed intake (2821.22g), and FCR (1.73) were observed in D, followed by that in D2 and D3, respectively. The highest mortality (4.99%) was found in D, and the lowest in D2 or D3 (1.65%). There was no significant difference among diets for production cost and net profit (p>0.05). However, evidently but not significantly, D3 performed better than D, or D2 in terms of reducing production cost and improving net profit. Lipid profiles (total cholesterol, TG, HDL, and LDL) were almost statistically similar among the diets. However, evidently but not statistically, the diet D: decreased TG, LDL, and increased HDL in the blood of broiler chicken as compared to the diet D, or D3. Therefore, 5% or 10% Azolla could be used in the diet of broiler chickens to produce safe and profitable broiler.