Azolla: an excellent green fodder

Abstract

Due to the shortage of green fodder and their high price in animal feeding, breeders are looking for easily accessible and affordable alternatives. In this context, Azolla which grows quickly in freshwater lakes, rivers, marshes, and ditches in temperate and tropical areas with cheap production cost can play a vital role. The nitrogen-fixing blue-green algae Anabaena azollae has a symbiotic connection with Azolla, which enhances the protein concentration of Azolla, making it one of the best alternative feed sources for protein. Furthermore, as compared to Hybrid Napier and Lucerne, biomass yield is about 3–10 times higher. It is also a good source of several minerals and vitamins. Thus, Azolla can be used to enhance the livestock productivity and profitability.