I have azolla growing now. How much can I actually feed per day to my cows, goats and chickens without overdoing it, and does it really cut feed cost?
2 Answers
Azolla is a supplement that partly replaces concentrate, not a full feed, so it is fed in limited daily quantities alongside the normal ration. Cattle can take a few kg of fresh azolla a day mixed with feed, goats a smaller amount, and poultry a small portion mixed into their feed; introduce it gradually so the animals get used to it and watch that it does not cause loose dung when started suddenly. Always rinse it to remove the dung smell and any slurry before feeding. The benefit is a modest cut in concentrate cost and some improvement in condition, but treat savings as moderate, not dramatic. For exact feeding amounts by animal and stage, follow your veterinarian or KVK livestock advice, since the right quantity depends on the animal's size and main ration.
I mix a few kg into my cows' feed daily in Palakkad and a little for the hens. Started slow so they got used to it. It trims my feed bill a bit, not a miracle, but worth the small effort.