Effect of different level of azolla meal on nutrient utilization and growth performance in goat kids: Influence of azolla meal on nutrient utilization and growth in goat kids

Abstract

An attempt is made to assess nutritional potential of Azoll meal in a total mixed ration (TMR) at different dietary level on nutrient utilization and metabolic status of goats under hot humid agro climatic condition in Bihar. All the standard managemental practices were followed during experimental period. Eighteen growing male kids of 3-4 months age with average body weight of 5.72± 0.88 kg were distributed into three groups of six animals each on the basis of body weight in a randomized block design. The animals were fed graded level of Azolla meal (0, 20 and 40 %) mixed in concentrate mixture and green fodder berseem. In this study different parameter like feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion ratio, digestibility of nutrient, blood bio-chemicals, serum biochemistry of Black Bengal goats (cross) were observed, respectively. This experiment was conducted for 90 days on 18 male kids. The total DMI (g/d) of T1, T2 and T3 group were 458.12, 449.54 and 494.66 respectively. The intake of DM in each group was comparable and so is the R:C ratio. However, CP, DCP and TDN obtained is quite significant in T2 group than T1 and T3 group. The digestibility of other nutrients such as OM, NDF, ADF, CP, EE, CF, TA and NFE were numerically higher in T2 group lowest in T3group inclusion which might be due to more inclusion of azolla i.e 40% azolla in concentrate mixture. The digestibility percentage of dry matter was from58.16 in T3 to 63.15 in T2 group. The final body weight was higher in T2 and lowest in T3 group as compared to control group. The body weight (kg) and average daily gain (g/d) was significantly higher (P≤0.05) in T2 as compared to T1and T3 group. The ADG obtained was highest in T2 group (60.33 g/d) and lowest in T3 group (45.66 g/d). The total DMI by the animals of T2 group was higher than T3 and T1groups, respectively. The FCR in T2 (20% Azolla meal) supplemented group was lower than T3 (40% Azolla) and T1 group. The body weight changes observed at sixth fortnight was significant in T2 group (20% azolla meal). The weight gained after sixth fortnight was significantly higher in T2 group, i.e (5.73 to 11.16 kg) in T2 group, (5.76 to 10.29 kg) in T1 group and (5.66 to 9.77 kg) in T3 group.