The study evaluated the effects of different levels of dried fermented azolla meal (DFAM) on the growth performance, profitability and serum cholesterol levels of broilers and the organoleptic and sensory characteristics of broiler meat using 150-day-old broilers in a 35-day feeding trial. The study was laid out in a completely randomized design with the following treatments: Treatment 1- negative control, Treatment 2-5% DFAM, Treatment 3- 10% DFAM, Treatment 4- 15% DFAM and Treatment 5-Commercial feeds. Results of the study showed that supplementation of different levels of DFAM did not affect the growth performance of birds in weeks 1 and 2. However, during weeks 3, 4 and 5, variable results in terms of the performance were observed. At the end of the trial, birds given 10% and 15% DFAM had significantly lesser total feed consumption and comparative FCR with the animals given commercial feeds. Organoleptic exam of broiler meat showed that the birds in all treatments are comparable in general acceptability but have variable acceptability in terms of aroma, tenderness, and juiciness with the animals given different levels of DFAM scoring higher than the birds given commercial feeds. Serum cholesterol levels of birds supplemented with DFAM had significantly lower levels at day 28 compared with the negative and positive controls. In terms of profitability, supplementation with 0% to 10% DFAM resulted in the highest return above feed cost.

Thesis (Master of Science - Animal Science)

Includes appendices and bibliographical references.