Effect of Azolla (Azolla pinnata) Feeding on Cow Milk Production

Conventional green fodder unavailability throughout the year is a serious concern for dairy industry in India so in the hills. Due to urbanization, industrialization and change in demographic pattern, the fodder and pasture land are reducing continuously. Under such situation, alternate fodder source need to be explored. Hence, the present study was carried out by KVK (ICAR-VPKAS), Kafligair, Bageshwar, Uttarakhand for assessing the Azolla-an aquatic fern as an alternate fodder source and substitute for concentrate cattle feed. During 120 days of experiment, the results of T2, T3 and T4 groups were in increasing order in terms of Azolla substitution (i.e., 1.0 kg, 1.5kg and 2.0 kg) and in milk yield (i.e., 0.5 lit, 1.0 lit and 2.0 lit). Among treatment groups it was found 5-15 percent increase (on an average 10 percent) in milk yield, when Azolla was incorporated 1-2kg as a concentrate substitute daily. That reduced feed cost by 20 to 40 rupees per day (on an average 30 rupees per day) and increased net return from Rs. 37 to 92 daily (Average Rs. 64.67). Among treatment groups significant differences (P=.0125) were recorded. It was also found easy to cultivate at low input cost and easy to digest by animals. Azolla adaptability among cattle, fish and Poultry farmers has been increased in the district Bageshwar of Uttarakhand.