Effect Of Azolla As Extra Supplement On Milk Yield In Indigenous And Cross Breed Cows Of Ganjam District

Abstract

The study was carried out in Berhampur city of Ganjam district, Odisha. Forty lactating cows were selected, twenty cows each from both indigenous and cross breed, between 3^rd and 5^th lactation period. Indigenous and cross breed cows were divided into two groups (10 cows each). Treated group of both the breed of cows were fed with 2 kg fresh azolla, 4 kg concentrated feed, 3 kg chopped paddy straw and 50 gm mineral mixture in equally divided doses twice daily. Control group of both the breed of cows were fed with 6 kg of concentrated feed, 3 kg chopped paddy straw and 50 gm mineral mixture in equally divided doses twice daily without azolla.  The feeding trail was tested for 3 months (25^th June 2017 to 29^th September 2017). During the trial period milk yield were recorded every day. After three months, the milk samples were collected for 7 consecutive days. Statistical analysis of data showed that, azolla increases the milk yield capacity in treated group of indigenous and cross breed cows (P<0.001) significantly when compared with their control group. The milk yield was increased up to 24.75% and 17.38 % in indigenous and cross breed cows respectively. This study reveals that consumption of azolla increases the milk production and maintained good vigour in dairy cattle.