Effect of Supplementation of Azolla on the Hematology, Immunity and Gastrointestinal Profile of Broilers

Abstract

A feeding trial was carried out to determine the effect of Azolla supplementation on haematology, immunity, gastrointestinal profile and the economics of broiler chicks. Five dietary treatment groups designated as C, T₁, T₂, T₃ and T₄ were formulated by incorporating 0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0% levels of dried Azolla. All the rations formulated for various treatments were made iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous. The result indicated that level of inclusion of Azolla in the diet had no effect on means of percent haemoglobin, PCV, TEC, TLC, DLC, H/L ratio, weight of lymphoid organs for various treatment groups. Azolla in diet had a significant effect on pH of the crop, highly significant (P<0.01) effect on pH of the proventriculus, caecum and liver and no significant effect on pH of gizzard, duodenum, jejunum and ileum. No effect was observed on relative length of different segments of the small intestine and caecum. Highly significant effect was observed on body weight gain and feed consumption. The haematology, immunity, gastrointestinal profile of broiler chicks suggested that feeding of Azolla did not adversely affect the immune status of broilers and can be included in the ration for improving performance and reduce cost of production.