NUTRIGENOMICS EFFECT OF AZOLLA SUPPLEMENTATION ON MILK PRODUCTION AND DGAT1, SCD1 EXPRESSION IN DAIRY CATTLE OF KORAPUT DISTRICT, ODISHA

Abstract

This study examined the impact of Azolla supplement on milk yield, quality, and gene expression in dairy cattle in Koraput, Odisha. Fifteen cattle were distributed into three categories such that a control group and two treatment groups were provided with Azolla supplementation in doses of 1.5 kg/day (T1) and 2.0 kg/day (T2) for 90 days. It was found that there was a marked increase in efficiency and milk content. Milk fat percent increased significantly from 3.04% to 3.84% in T1 and from 3.06% to 4.24% in T2, whereas there was no change in the control group. Likewise, milk yield was increased by 10% in T1 and 15% in T2. Economically, there was profit increase from ₹699.5 in T1 and ₹742 in T2 to ₹602 in the control. Genetically, there was an increase in DGAT1 and SCD1 gene expression.