Assessment of Cost-Effective Feed Supplement on Growth and Economics of TANUVAS Aseel Birds

Abstract

Background Backyard poultry farming significantly contributes to rural livelihoods by enhancing nutritional security and generating 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. This study assessed the effects of incorporating Azolla (Azolla pinnata) as a dietary supplement on the growth performance and economic viability of TANUVAS Aseel chickens reared under backyard conditions.

Methods 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 greater 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. The study concludes that supplementing TANUVAS Aseel chickens with 20% Azolla enhances growth, reproductive performance, and profitability without adverse health effects. These findings support the incorporating Azolla as an affordable and sustainable feed option in backyard poultry farming enhances productivity and boosts economic gains for small-scale farmers in Tamil Nadu.