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Those running poultry farms have to purchase large quantities of grain. Apart from being quite expensive, it is also often not available of the right quality. Due to which the growth of chickens is also affected. But today we are going to tell you about a green fodder which can be easily grown anywhere. It is also very effective for chickens.
West Champaran: If you are a poultry farmer and are always worried about the diet of poultry, then today we are giving you information about an aquatic plant which is considered a super food for chickens. Its nutritional value is so high that experts even consider it as dry food for animals. Be it summer or winter, this aquatic plant which grows easily in every season is known as Azolla. Its consumption as feed can increase the production of meat and eggs in poultry by 15 percent. Dr. Jagpal, a veterinary scientist working at the Agricultural Science Center located in Madhopur of the district, has shared special information on Azolla.
main source of nutrients
Dr. Jagpal explains that Azolla is an aquatic fern floating on the water surface. In simple language it is called an aquatic plant. It is rich in elements like protein, amino acids, vitamins, calcium, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, copper. Although there are many varieties of Azolla, but the species named Azolla Pinnata is mainly found in India. Compared to all other green fodder, the amount of protein in Azolla is up to five times higher.
There will be an increase in meat and eggs
According to experts, feeding 10 to 20 grams of Azolla per day to chickens can increase their weight and egg production capacity by 10 to 15 percent. Similarly, if you give 100 to 200 grams of Ozola daily to sheep and goats, then you will see an increase in their physical development and milk production.
Easy ways to grow Azolla
To grow Azolla in the fields, farmers should make raw beds and cover them with polythene sheets. Spread the sheet in such a way that the bed is completely covered. Mix 10 kg of sifted soil and 2 kg of cow dung manure in each bed and fill it with water. To produce two to four kg of Azolla per day, make a solution of 20 grams of superphosphate and 5 kg of cow dung in each bed and add it every month. Since Ozola production takes place in water only, it is mandatory to maintain proper amount of water in the bed. Keep in mind that direct sunlight should not fall on the beds. For this you can cover them with a shade.
