Assessment of cost-effective feed supplement on growth andeconomics of TANUVAS Aseel birds

Abstract

Backyard poultry farming significantly contributes to rural livelihoods by enhancing nutritional security and generating a supplementary income for small-scale farmers. However, the economic sustainability of this practice is challenged by high feed costs, which constitute approximately 60% of total production expenses. The present study assessed the effects of incorporating azolla (Azolla pinnata) as a dietary supplement on the growth performance and economic viability of TANUVAS Aseel chicken reared under backyard conditions. A total of 300 birds were allocated to five different dietary treatment groups: T1 (foraging only), T2 (foraging + 50 g concentrate), T3 (foraging + 50 g concentrate + 10% azolla), T4 (foraging + 50 g concentrate + 20% Azolla), and T5 (foraging + 50 g concentrate + 40% azolla). Results indicated that T4 birds exhibited significantly higher (P<0.01) body weight (2722.84±29.06g at 40 weeks), improved feed conversion efficiency (4.95±0.29), increased egg production (107.22±0.26 eggs per bird), and better fertility (91.22±0.26%). Economic analysis revealed that T4 had the highest net profit (Rs. 3807.90±144.82) and cost-benefit ratio (2.06±0.04), demonstrating the economic advantage of azolla inclusion in diet. The study concluded that supplementing TANUVAS Aseel chicken with 20% azolla enhanced growth, reproductive performance, and profitability without any adverse health effect. These findings supported incorporation of azolla as an affordable and sustainable feed option in backyard poultry farming to enhance productivity and boost economic gains for small-scale farmers in Tamil Nadu.