Studies on Supplementation of Green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on Growth Performance of Osmanabadi Goat Kids

The present investigation on studies on supplementation of green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) on growth performance of Osmanabadi goat kids was conducted under Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, Post Graduate Institute, Dr. P.D.K.V., Akola for period of 60 day. Twenty goat kids between (3 to 6) month of age were divided into four groups on the basis of nearness to age and body weight as T₁ (Intensive feeding +Conc), T₂ (Intensive feeding +Conc.+100 g green Azolla), T₃ (Intensive feeding +Conc. +200 g green Azolla) and T₄ (Intensive feeding +Conc+300 g green Azolla), respectively. In intensive feeding dry, green and concentrate was provided as per thumb rule (ICAR, 1985) to all groups. The average daily dry matter intake per kid per day was higher in treatment T₄ (0.64kg) followed by T₃ (0.62kg), T₂ (0.58) and T₁ (0.57), respectively. The average daily gain in body weight of experimental kids was more in T4 (0.098kg) followed by T₃ (0.087kg), T₂ (0.069kg) and less in T₁ (0.068kg). The average total gain in body measurement (chest girth, body length and body height) of kids which received green Azolla treatments showed significant effect with concentrate mixture. The total cost per day per kid for T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄, were found to be Rs.6.98, 11.21, 15.11 and 19.01, respectively, but cost of feeding per kg body weight was found.Rs.105.62, 106.46, 87.07 and 77.30, respectively. From the result it may be concluded that supplementation of green Azolla (Azolla pinnata) and concentrate in the diet is beneficial to increase body weight gain and health of the experimental goat kids.