Effect of Dried Azolla on Growth Performance, Hematological, Biochemical, Antioxidant Parameters, and Economic Efficiency of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

A total of 208 healthy one-day-old broiler chicks (Cobb-500) were allocated randomly in to 4 groups (4 replicates / each). Broiler chicks fed different diets containing 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% dried Azolla (DA) for a period of 42 days. The results clarified that dietary DA at different levels significantly (P=0.012) decreased total feed intake. The lowest total feed intake value was for broilers fed 8% DA (3151.3g). Broilers group fed with 12% DA had the highest significant (P<0.001) average final body weight and body weight gain. The feed conversion ratio was significantly (P=0.002) better among all broiler groups fed with DA. Dietary treatments with different levels of DA showed significant improvement in immune cells count such as lymphocytes (P<0.001), and heterophils (P= 0.003). Dietary inclusion of DA significantly increased (P < 0.05) albumin, total protein, and high-density lipoprotein concentrations. Urea, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, uric acid, and cholesterol concentrations were significantly (P < 0.05) decreased in all broilers fed DA. Dietary inclusion of DA improved antioxidant potency. Economically broiler group fed with 12% DA diet significantly (P<0.001) recorded the highest total return, and net return values (3.25, 0.94 $/chicken, respectively). The highest net return per Kg gain, and economic efficiency values were found for group fed 12% Azolla (0.42, and 0.82, respectively). In conclusion, the dietary inclusion of DA up to 12%, can improve the growth performance, blood parameters, antioxidant properties without adverse effect on the health condition of broiler chicks, and increase the profitability for broiler chickens.