Rumen bacteria, feed utilization, and milk production of Damascus goats fed different levels of azolla meal

Azolla could be a promising alternative feed as it is a rich source of nutrients and bioactive compounds that can modulate rumen microbiota and improve animal productivity. This study evaluated the effects of inclusion dietary Azolla (Azolla pinnata) as a partial replacement of concentrate feed mixture (CFM) on rumen bacteria, nutrient digestibility, and milk production in lactating Damascus goats. Thirty-two goats were assigned to four groups (n = 8): a control group (C), A10, A20, and A30 to receive 0, 10%, 20%, and 30% of Azolla as a replacement of CFM, respectively. Microbial diversity increased in Azolla-fed goats, with enrichment of phylum Firmicutes in Azolla-supplemented groups C=13.36%, A10= 31.09%, A20= 25.15%, and A30= 29.85%. Fiber-degrading bacterial genera such as Prevotella, Ruminococcus, and Christensenellaceae R-7 group. .Crude protein digestibility was declined in supplemented groups and was found in order 74.76>69.11>68.24>63.93 %. Total volatile fatty acids (TVFA) and the concentration of acetate, propionate, and butyrate were higher in supplemented groups (p < 0.01). Fat-corrected milk (FCM) was higher in A20 (1139 mL/head) compared to other groups (C=992, A10=1050, A30=888 mL/head and feed efficiency followed the same trend (p < 0.05). Azolla could replace 20% of CFM in goats’ diet, and it is a viable alternative feed resource, particularly under challenges associated with the availability of conventional concentrate mixtures.