Vol. 12, Special Issue 7 (2023)

A total of one hundred thirty-five, day-old broiler Japanese quail chicks were randomly allocated to three treatment groups viz T₀ (Control) supplemented only basal diet whereas T₁ and T₂ supplemented 5% and 10% Azolla respectively along with basal diet on a DM basis. The experiment was conducted for 0–5 weeks in the poultry instructional and demonstration unit (PIDU) of the College of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anjora, Durg.

Azolla was cultivated, harvested, and dried under shade, the proximate analysis of the dried Azolla sample revealed a dry matter content of 6.7% and 24% crude protein, 15% crude fibre, 3.38% ether extract, 16.6% total ash, 36.3% nitrogen-free extract (NFE), 2.18% calcium and 0.47% phosphorus. findings emphasize the potential of Azolla as an unconventional feed supplement with respect to treatment group T₁ showed better sensory attributes compared to T₂. The appearance, flavour, juiciness (p<0.05) and overall palatability/acceptability (p=0.001) of meat in the 5% Azolla -supplemented group were ranked best compared to the control group and 10% Azolla -supplemented group.