The Use of Azolla with Concentrate in Buffalo Feeding: Effects on Milk Production, Growth, Reproduction, and Milk Composition in Hanumangarh District, Rajasthan, India

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of Azolla supplementation on the productivity, milk composition, reproductive performance, and economics of lactating Murrah and Nili-Ravi buffaloes in Hanumangarh district, Rajasthan, a semi-arid region. Forty lactating buffaloes and twenty buffalo calves were randomly assigned to four groups, with Azolla supplementation levels of 0% (Control), 10% (T1), 15% (T2), and 20% (T3) in their concentrate mixture. The study lasted 90 days for buffaloes and 3 months for calves. The basal diet consisted of green fodder (sorghum/berseem) and dry fodder (wheat straw), with Azolla partially replacing the concentrate mixture. Results indicated that Azolla supplementation significantly increased milk yield, with T3 (20% Azolla) yielding 9.1 L/day, compared to 7.8 L/day in the control group. Milk composition also improved, with significant increases in fat, protein, and SNF content in the T2 and T3 groups. Reproductive parameters showed marked improvement, including reduced service period (120–125 days), improved conception rate (78–80%), and shortened calving interval (405–410 days) in Azolla-fed groups. Calf growth performance also benefitted from Azolla supplementation, with calves in the T3 group gaining 34.5 kg over 3 months, compared to 25.8 kg in the control group. Feed efficiency was enhanced, with feed conversion ratio (FCR) improving from 10.5 kg DM/kg gain in the control group to 8.2 kg DM/kg gain in the T3 group. Azolla supplementation also reduced feed costs, decreasing the cost of milk production from ₹23.1/L in the control group to ₹20.3/L in the T3 group, while net returns per buffalo increased from ₹240/day to ₹272/day. This study demonstrates that Azolla supplementation, particularly at 15–20%, can significantly improve milk production, reproductive efficiency, calf growth, and economic profitability in buffaloes. Azolla is a promising, cost-effective feed resource that can replace expensive protein concentrates, especially in semi-arid regions with limited feed resources.