A Study on Economics of Inclusion of Azolla Pinnata in Swine Rations

The present research work was designed to study the economics of Azolla production and its effect on feeding cost of swine. Azolla pinnata was included as a protein replacer in the concentrate feed at 0, 10 and 20%, respectively in grower and finisher feed of pigs. This study was conducted for 120 days in growing (60 days) and finishing phase (60 days) using 18 crossbred Large White Yorkshire pigs divided into 3 groups (T1, T2 and T3) with six pigs in each group. The quantity of Azolla required for the experiment was grown and the unit cost of fresh Azolla produced was Rs. 0.56 and dry Azolla was Rs. 5.65. The cost of grower, finisher ration and the expenditure of Azolla cultivation were considered for the calculation of feed per kg body weight gain. Mean daily feed intake recorded was 1.75, 1.69 and 1.64 kg in pigs fed with rations G1, G2 and G3, respectively during growing phase and 2.03, 1.96 and 1.91 kg in pigs fed with rations F1, F2 and F3, respectively during finishing phase. The cost of ration per day calculated was Rs. 24.50, 22.55 and 20.75 for G1, G2 and G3 groups during growing phase and during finishing phase was Rs. 26.39, 24.45 and 22.90 for F1, F2 and F3 respectively and the difference between the groups were significant (P < 0.01). The cost of ration per kg gain for G1, G2 and G3 was Rs. 68.06, 64.42 and 59.28, respectively and similarly Rs. 75.40, 71.91 and 65.42 for F1, F2 and F3, respectively and the difference between the groups were significant (P < 0.05).