AZOLLA PINNATA SUPPLEMENTATION EFFECTS IN POST-WEANED GOAT KIDS

Abstract

Background: Goats need good nutrition for healthy growth. Azolla pinnata, a water fern, is rich in protein and nutrients. Feeding it to young goat kids may improve their growth and blood health.
Aims: To evaluate the effects of different levels of Azolla pinnata supplementation on the growth performance and blood parameters of post-weaned goat kids under intensive management.
Methodology: Twelve male goat kids (n=12), aged 5 to 6 months were purchased from a local market and were assigned randomly to three (3) groups of 4 each. Group A was the control group receiving only a basal diet while Group B received a basal diet + 100 g of concentrate mixed with 150 g of Azolla pinnata; whereas Group C received a basal diet + 150 g of concentrate mixed with 250 g of Azolla pinnata.
Results: The initial weight of goats in their respective groups was: 8.5 kg (A), 8.2 kg (B), and 9.0 kg (C) and the final weights were: 12.25 kg (A), 15.5 kg (B), and 17.5 kg (C). A significant difference (P < 0.05) in body weight was observed on Day 45 in all groups and this trend continued throughout the duration of the experiment. The initial lengths of all three groups were: 43.18 cm (A), 45.72 cm (B), and 48.26 cm (C); while their final lengths were: 46.99 cm (A), 50.8 cm (B), and 55.88 cm (C). From Day 45 onwards, groups showed significantly different body lengths (P < 0.05) and body height measures with Group C consistently having the highest values throughout the study period. After the 45th day, heart girth also exhibited significant differences (P < 0.05) among the groups - from Day 90, Group C's heart girth was significantly greater than those of Groups A and B (P < 0.05). All hematological parameters measured were significantly different (P < 0.05) between groups, specifically compared to groups A, B and C, regarding erythrocyte count (A = 0.190×106/μL; B = 0.320×106/μL; C = 0.435×106/μL) and MCV (A = 56 fL; B = 62 fL; C = 63 fL). There were no observed differences (P > 0.05) for all other hematological parameters analyzed (hemoglobin (Hb), mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), hematocrit (HCT), total leukocyte count (WBC), neutrophils, lymphocytes, monocytes, platelet count (MPV), and total serum protein (TSP).
Conclusion: Overall, it was concluded that Azolla pinnata supplementation significantly improves the growth performance of goat kids when compared to the control and certain hematological parameters as compared to control group.