Economic Evaluation of Using Azolla on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens: Gene Expression Impact

THE purpose of this study was to examine the effects of feeding Azolla to broiler chickens on growth performance, gene expression, and its financial impact. 120 one-day-old chicks (Cobb 500) in total were divided into four groups at random. For 42 days, broiler chickens were fed several diets that contained 0%, 4%, 8%, and 12% dried Azolla (DA). Broilers group fed with 12% DA had the highest significant average final body weight and body weight gain. Azolla dietary treatments at various doses resulted in a noticeable improvement in the expression profile of growth (IGF-I, GH, MYLK4, MEF2B, TRPV1, STAT5A, PGAM2), immune (IL-4, IL-6, IL-8, IL-1 & beta;, and AVBD9), antioxidant (SOD, CAT, GPX, PRDX2, and PRDX6) and intestinal health (MUC2, gastrotropin, Cath-B) genes. The highest net return per Kg gain, and economic efficiency values were found for group fed 12% Azolla. In deduction, the dietary enclosure of DA up to 12%, can advance the growth performance, antioxidant characteristics without negatively affecting on the health condition of broiler chicks, and upsurge the profitability for broiler chickens.