EFFECTS OF AZOLLA MEAL IN THE DIET OF MUSCOVY DUCKS ON GROWtH PERFORMANCE , DIGESTIBILITY AND CARCASS TRAITS

Abstract

This study was carried out in Duck Farm, Department of Agronomy Experiment Station, Faculty of Agriculture , Fayoum, Cairo L'niversity. Two experiments were conducted during the period from December, 1994 up to August, 1995. A total number of 80 one- day old Muscovy ducklings was used to study the effect of using different levels of dried azolla meal (DAM) on performance of growing Muscovy ducks. The following results were obtained:

1- Azolla contains considerable amounts of CP, amino acids and energy.

Also it contains a high concentration ofMg, K and Fe.

2- Digestibility % ofDM and CF decreased by increasing dietary DAM

level.

3. Digestibility % of OM, CP and EE were not affected by increasing dietary DAM. 4. During starter period, LBW increased by increasing DAM up to 15%,

while LBWG decreased by increasing DAM level.

5. Group fed 15% DAM showed the best FC, PER, CER and PI values;

males utilized the feed more efficiently than females.

6. During grower I finisher period (4-12 wks), LBW, LBWG, FI, CPI, FC, PER, CER and PI decreased by increasing DAM level while, mortality rate increased with 30% DAM in diet. Dried azolla meal could be incorporated in Muscovy duckling diets

up to 15% during starter period (up to 4 wks. of age), then it could be increased up to 25% (for males) and up to 20% (for females) during grower I finisher period (from 4 up to l 0 weeks).