Vol. 10, Issue 4 (2021)

Author(s):
Diwakar Verma, Kuladip Prakash Shinde and Dipak Dey

Abstract:
Present field studies were conducted in six adopted villages by establishing Azolla production units. The six samples one from each adopted village of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) were collected and used for chemical composition analysis. On Farm Trail (OFT) was conducted to assess the effect on productive performance in cattle and economics of farmers. The proximate composition i.e. DM, OM, CP, EE and TA content (% DM) of Azolla pinnata were 8.61±0.02, 81.27±0.16, 24.15±0.07, 3.81±0.11 and 18.78±0.16 respectively while the fibre fractions i.e. NDF, ADF, Hemicellulose, Lignin and cellulose content (% DM) of Azolla pinnata were 46.29±0.11, 36.41±0.04, 14.00±0.31, 7.00±0.11 and 26.00±0.31 respectively. The average values of Ca (%), Mn (ppm), Zn (ppm), Cu (ppm) and Fe (ppm) was 1.56±0.08, 617.21±6.18, 35.09±2.21, 34.19.12±1.26 and 714.16± 25.11 respectively. 4.12±0.51 kg milk yield was recorded in azolla supplemented group as compared to control group 3.51±0.36. Under Field conditions the farmer by investing just Rs. 1611/- on Azolla production can earn additional returns of Rs. 6344 /- per dairy cow. The B: C ratio was calculated to be 2.93:1, indicating high income utility of this Azolla supplemental feeding.