Effect of Supplementation of Azolla Meal (Azolla pinnata) and Fish Meal on Dry Matter Intake and Water Intake of Konkan Kanyal Goat

Abstract

Aims: Azolla meal and fish meal are rich sources of protein and essential nutrients that can contribute to a well-balanced diet for male goats. Studying the optimal levels of these ingredients in the diet can help to ensure that, the goats receive all the nutrients they need for growth, development and overall health. This work aimed to facilitate supplementation of Azolla meal and fish meal not only increases dry matter intake but also improved the water intake in Konkan Kanyal goats. Study Design: This research was experimental and performed in a field. Place and Duration of Study: This study was conducted at Instructional Livestock farm, Department of Animal Husbandry and Dairy Science, College of agriculture, Dr. BSKKV, Dapoli, Maharashtra, India, during 2023-24 Methodology: The concentrate feed was prepared by supplementation of Azolla meal and fish meal with basal feed (Hybrid napier grass + Red gram straw + concentrate) with supplementation of 4 gm fish meal (A0F1), 8 gm fish meal (A0F2), 4 gm Azolla meal (A1F0), 4 gm Azolla meal and 4 gm fish meal (A1F1), 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A1F2), 8 gm Azolla meal (A2F0), 8 gm Azolla meal and 4 gm fish meal (A2F1) and 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A2F2) in concentrate, respectively and the dry matter intake and water intake of experimental goats were recorded. Research Conducted with three Replications. Results: Most optimum level of treatment combination of 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A1F2) supplementation through concentrate feed was found in obtaining maximum dry matter intake while treatment combination of 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A2F2) supplementation through concentrate feed was found in obtaining maximum water intake. Conclusion: The study concludes that supplementing upto 4 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A1F2) through concentrate to experimental goats increases the dry matter intake while supplementation upto 8 gm Azolla meal and 8 gm fish meal (A2F2) through concentrate to experimental goats increases the water intake.