The Impact of Feeding Sun-Dried Azolla Meal on Growth Performance and Some Serum Biochemical Parameters of Broiler Chickens

Abstract

The current study was conducted to assess the impact of feeding sun-dried azolla meal on growth performance and some serum biochemical parameters of broiler chickens. A total number of 80 one-day-old broiler chicks (Ross 308 strain) were individually weighted and allocated randomly into four treatment groups (20 birds/group), each group consists of two replicates each of 10 birds. The control group (T1) received a basal diet, while the experimental groups T2, T3, and T4 were fed diets containing 3%, 6% and 9% sun-dried azolla, respectively. Over a 35-day period, results showed a clear trend of significantly increased (P<0.05) weight gain and increased feed intake with higher levels of Azolla inclusion, with T4 exhibited the highest final body weight and feed intake. Feed conversion ratios (FCR) improved insignificantly (P>0.05) in the Azolla-fed groups compared to the control. Serum total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were unaffected by treatment (P>0.05). No significant differences (P=0.093) were observed among different groups in LDL levels. T3 and T4 had significantly higher HDL values (P<0.05). Additionally, Azolla supplementation significantly decreased cholesterol and triglyceride levels (P<0.05). Antioxidant enzymes activity (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) was enhanced with groups fed with dried azolla compared with the control group. It can be concluded that sun dried Azolla meal is a promising and beneficial non-conventional feed ingredient that can be used up to 9% in broiler diets for improving growth performance and enhancing the serum biochemical constituents in broilers.