Standard Procedure( SOP)
This study will be conducted in three structured phases: duckweed cultivation and analysis, feed
formulation, and poultry performance evaluation.
1. Duckweed Cultivation and Preparation:
Duckweed (Lemna minor) will be collected from selected Ethiopian aquatic sites (Hawassa,
Bahir Dar, and Zeway) and cultivated in a 10×10×5m pond at Addis Ababa Science and
Technology University (AASTU). Cultivation conditions will be optimized using periodic
superphosphate fertilization. Biomass will be harvested every 10–12 days, washed, sun-dried,
and stored for further processing.
2. Nutritional and Chemical Evaluation:
Dried duckweed meal (DDM) will be chemically analyzed using AOAC (2007) standards to
determine moisture, protein, ash, fiber, and nutrient content. Calcium and phosphorus will be
measured by titration. The results will inform diet formulation.
3. Poultry Feeding Trials:
120 poultry will be randomly assigned to treatment groups. The basal poultry diet will be
partially replaced with 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% DDM. The trial will last 180 days, covering
starter, grower, and finisher stages. Feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and
egg characteristics will be recorded.
4. Digestibility and Efficiency Analysis:
Apparent nutrient digestibility and retention will be measured using fecal collection and analysis.
Protein efficiency, average daily gain, and cost-benefit metrics will be calculated.
5. Statistical and Economic Analysis:
Data will be analyzed via one-way ANOVA using SPSS v20. Duncan’s multiple range test will
be applied to assess treatment effects. An economic evaluation of feed cost-effectiveness will be
included.
6. Ethical Compliance:
The study will comply with institutional ethical standards for the use of animals in research,
ensuring humane treatment and welfare.
