Growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler chicken (Gallus

gallus domisticus) supplemented with azolla (Azolla pinnata)

JANAH MARIZ LOQUILLANO

JYRALD ADA
ROCHELLE ANNE CABABAN
RYAN REY PESCADOR
RUSSEL JAKE COYOCA

Submitted to the Faculty of the

Department of Agricultural Sciences
College of Agriculture, Forestry and Environmental Sciences
Mindanao State University at Naawan
9023 Naawan, Misamis Oriental
In Partial Fulfilment of the
Requirements for the
Degree of

Bachelor of Science in Agriculture major Animal science

February 2023
INTRODUCTION
Rationale

Aquatic plants may be used to provide a wide variety of foods for both humans and

animals, they are gaining a lot of attention in nutrition research. One of the frequently utilized

floating plants is azolla. Different kinds of Azolla are currently utilized as fresh or dried flakes as

sustainable feed substitutes for fish, poultry, pigs, and cattle. Azolla is a fern that is strong in

protein and vital amino acids, but it also contains a lot of other nutrients like minerals, vitamins,

and colors. Thus, zolla appears to be a potential source of nutrients and has a considerably high

feeding value Hossiny et al., (2008). There is variation in the application of Azolla to raise poultry

productivity. Moreover, most studies have indicated that the incorporation of broiler ration with

certain levels of Azolla promotes feed intake, body weight gain, feed conversion rate, and general

health conditions as Azolla comprises growth promoters.

The water fern azolla is also considered to be the most promising because of the ease of

cultivation, high productivity and good nutritive value (Singh and Subudhi, 1978; Prabina and

Kumar, 2010). Azolla pinnata was used as feed in broiler chicken (Balaji et al., 2009), laying hens

(Alalade et al., 2007), Juvenile Black Tiger Shrimp (Sudaryono, 2006), and buffalo calves (Indira

et al., 2009). Therefore, this review article provides information on Azolla plant, its composition,

and the significance of its supplementation for different poultry species. Azollas also enhances

carcass characteristics during processing. As a result, this review paper offers details on the

Azolla plant, including its composition and the importance of supplementing it for various chicken

breeds (Abd El-Ghany & Yazar Soyadi 2020).

Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of azolla in growth performance in

broiler chicken. The study will involve the carcass characteristics and the feeding with different

levels of azolla and also monitoring the average daily gain weight.
Objectives of the study

General Objectives

The main objectives of this study Growth performance and carcass characteristics of broiler

chicken (Gallus gallus domisticus) supplemented with azolla (Azolla pinnata).

Specific objectives

1. To determine the average daily gain weight of the chicken.

2. To determine the weight gain.

3. To determine the dressing percentage.

4. To determine the organ cuts of the chicken.

5. To determine the primal cuts.

Significant of the study

The study aims to provide scientific information on the significant contribution of the

growth performance and carcass characteristic this also contributes to the information on the

animal technician and students. The information also significant for many uses e.g. researcher.

Scope and limitation of the study

This study is to investigate the growth and examine the carcass characteristic will not include the

digestibility other test and treatments, except to the above mention techniques, are beyond the scope of

the study. In additional, the result of this study will be limited only to the chicken used in this experiment

which is the broiler chicken.

Definition of Terms

Broiler chicken - A domesticated chicken bred and raised specifically for meat production.

Azolla - Azolla is an invasive plant that grows faster in freshwater lakes, rivers, wetlands, and

ditches in both temperate and tropical countries by a few precautionary steps with low production

costs. Azolla can be fed to animals like cow, chicken, buffalo, sheep, goat and rabbit because it is
easily digestible (because to its high protein and low lignin content), increases feed efficiency,

average daily gain of animals.

Carcass characteristics - The physical attributes of an animal's body after slaughter, including

weight, meat yield, fat content, and other quality indicators.

Feeds – food for livestock specifically a mixture or preparation for feeding livestock.

Body Weight Gain - is an increase in body weight. This can involve an increase in muscle mass,

fat deposits, excess fluids such as water or other factors. Weight gain can be a symptom of a

serious medical condition.

Growth rate - The increase in body weight or size over a specified period, usually expressed in

grams or kilograms per day or week.

 REVIEW OF RELATED LETERATURE

Broiler

Broiler is a young chicken, usually 6-8 weeks of age, of either sex, that is tender meat

with soft, palatable, smooth textured skin and flexible breastbone cartilage. There is need to

obtain rapid growth in broilers. Broiler chickens are more efficient in the utilization of dietary

protein for growth (61- 64%). In addition, the maximum crude fibre (CF) and salt (NaCl)

concentration in broiler diet should be 5% and 0.5%, respectively. Acid insoluble ash should

not be more than 2.5% in broiler feeds. Higher intake of these components reduces feed

utilization efficiency. Calcium (Ca) and total phosphorus (P) levels should be minimum 1%

and 0.7%, respectively while available phosphorus is necessary to be minimum 0.45% in all

types of broiler ration.

Azolla

Water fern Azolla (Azolla pinnata) is an unconventional feed ingredient. Azolla is a free-

floating fresh water fern belonging to the family Azollaceae and order Pteridophyta. There are six

species of Azolla. It is commonly found in tropics and sub-tropics. It grows naturally in stagnant

water of drains, canals, ponds, rivers, haors-boars, marshy lands. Anabaena-azollae, living in the

cavity of Azolla leaf, can fix high amount of atmospheric dinitrogen due to presence of symbolic

algae in the leaves (Becking, 1979). Azolla is a potential feed ingredient for broilers. (Singh and

Subudhi, 1978). Azolla is reach in protein total protein is 25-30%. Other constituents in Azolla are

minerals, chlorophyll, carotenoids, amino acids, vitamins etc. It is also a potential source of

nitrogen and is a potential feed ingredient for livestock (Lumpkin, 1984; Pannerker, 1988).

Protein

Azolla (Azolla pinnata) is a heterosporous water fern found around the world. Azolla

resembles other green ferns, although it looks more like duckweed or mosses, floating freely on
 the water's surface. It can be used as a protein supplement in animal and poultry feed (Riaz et al.

2022) Azolla is abundant in protein and necessary amino acids, but it also contains vitamins A, B-

12, and beta-carotene. It also has minerals including calcium, phosphorus, potassium,

magnesium, copper, and zinc. Azolla contains 25-35% protein by dry weight and is well digestible

by chickens. (Rajab, 2022; Parashuramulu et al., 2013). The addition of dried Azolla to

Vencobb broiler rations can be used safely up to 5% with no negative consequences; however, a

2.5% Azolla addition level is effective in increasing both growth and biochemical parameters

(Rana et al. 2017). As a result, planting Azolla in and around poultry farms and feeding it to

poultry birds helps minimize high feed prices, high bird fatality rates during the summer, off-odor,

and the threat of houseflies. The use of 30% Azolla (w/w) together with 70% commercial feed in

poultry broiler diets boosts body weight gain, improves FCR, reduces mortality caused by heat

stress during the summer, and lowers broiler production costs. (Mahanthesh et al, 2018)

Nutritional composition of azolla

According to Rafaey et al. 2023, azolla contained 8.0% dry matter (DM), 24.61% crude

protein (CP), 15% crude fiber (CF), 43.8% neutral detergent fiber (NDF), 31.80% acid detergent

fiber (ADF), 3.8% ethyle extract (EE), 11.4% lignin, 4.1% starch, and 15.9% total ash. The

amount of calcium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and magnesium in Azolla were 11.0, 6.1,

17.4, 9.0, and 5.0 g/kg dry matter, while the content of trace minerals like manganese, zinc,

copper, and iron were 0.76, 0.038, 0.016, and 3.90 mg/kg. Out of the 18 amino acids found in

Azolla, glutamic acid produced the most (12.6%), followed by aspartic acid (9.3%), leucine

(8.4%), alanine (6.4%), arginine (5.9%), glycine (5.5%), and valine. However, the amount of

cystine was determined to be the lowest (1.6%), followed by tryptophan (

The effects of feeding azolla in broiler chicken

Chemical examination of sun-dried Azolla revealed that it is high in crude protein, trace

minerals, and vitamins, making it suitable for use as an unusual livestock feed. As we discovered

during the trial, the optimum results can be obtained from meals containing 5-10% Azolla content.
 Based on the findings, it is possible to assume that Azolla's nutritional substitution of 5-10%

protein source improves body weight and net returns per bird. To increase the profitability of

broiler production, 5-10% Azolla may be added to broiler chicken diets. Based on the above

discussion, it is possible to infer that Azolla is a good source of protein and can be utilized at a

rate of up to 10% in the broiler diet to improve performance. Azolla meal is an unconventional

feed ingredient at low price and may be used as a chicken feed to reduce feed cost (Joysowal et

al. 2018)

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Site and Duration

The study to be conduct at the laboratory of MSU at Naawan located at College of Agriculture,

Forestry and Environmental Sciences at Linangkayan, Naawan Misamis Oriental (figure 1). The

laboratory approximately 50 meters away from the national highway and the area is inside the college

building the area has a climate of dry and rainy season ad uncertain weather patterns. The study duration

will be 45 days that is the estimated days for the researcher to perform the experiment and to be conduct

right after purchase upon arrival of the chicks.

Figure 1. Study area MSU at Naawan located at Aggie Ville at where the experiment performs Source:

Google Earth (January 2024)

Materials and Equipment

The equipment’s needed will be lumber, silpaulin sheet, nails, net, waterer, feeder, light bulb,

corrugated metal. The materials to be used in the study are twenty-five (25)chicks azolla, water, cow

dung, and super phosphate

Treatments of the study

The study to be conducted will have 4 treatments in the study; T1 (Controlled/Commercial), T2

(5% Azolla), T3 (7% Azolla) and T4 (10% Azolla). The researchers aim to know which among the

treatment have best result as a supplemental ratio among broiler chicken. In addition, the study to b

conducted will have 4 repetitions for each treatment.

Experimental design and layout

This study is composed of three treatments and one commercial and there will 25chicken within 4

cages following a complete randomized design (CRD). This study will have a total of 20 chicken.

T4 T3 T1 T2

Figure2. Experimental layout of the study

Experimental animals
 Broiler chicks with 15 days old feed with commercial feeds raise in intensive management

practices were use to be as experimental animals, the purchase chicks will manage properly. The

experimental animal will be bought in the same retailer to avoid bias and for uniformity of the data of the

study

Preparation of the Azolla

In the study, the researcher will utilize Fresh Azolla which will be propagated mainly by the

researchers themselves by cultivating in a pit. A silpauline sheet is used to create a water body,

particularly under a tree's shade. Silpauline is a polythene tarpaulin that is resistant to ultraviolet radiation

in sunshine. A trench of 2 x 2 x 0.2 m is dug as the initial phase. To keep a uniform water level, all of the

pit's corners should be level. The pit is covered with plastic gunnies to keep the roots of adjacent trees

from piercing the silpauline sheet that is laid over them. About 10 - 15 kg of sieved fertile soil is evenly

distributed throughout the silpauline sheet. A slurry consisting of 2 kg cow dung and 30 g Super

Phosphate mixed with 10 litres of water is thrown onto the sheet. More water is added to elevate the

water level to around 10 cm. About 0.5 - 1 kilogram of fresh and pure azolla culture is added to the water.

This will develop quickly and fill the pit in 10 to 15 days.

Data to be gathered

The study is composed of two (2) components; Growth Performance and Carcass Yield which

consist several parameters. The researchers aim to gather the data of the Average Daily Gain, Weight

Gain, and Feed Intake (Growth Performance) of the chicken. Furthermore, data of the chicken’s Dressing

Percentage, Primal Cuts, and Organ Cuts (Carcass Yield) are to be gathered.

Statistical Analysis

This study would like to use the both descriptive statistic and inferential statistic as part of the

research statistical tool. The researcher would like to use the frequency (percentage) as part of the

descriptive statistical as the research tool to be used in analyzing the result of the study. Whereas One-

way analysis of variance (ANOVA) will be used for data analysis.

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