Evaluation of Nutritive Value of \u3cem\u3eAzolla pinnata\u3c/em\u3e

The water fern Azolla, which grows in association with the blue-green algae Anabaena azollae, a nitrogen fixing organism, is the most promising from the point of view of ease of cultivation, productivity and nutritive value. It grows naturally in stagnant water of drains, canals, ponds, rivers, marshy lands. Azolla can be used in animal feed and it is a potential feed ingredient for livestock; it is an income generating crop. Azolla is easily propagated but requires abundant standing water, relative humidity of 85-90%, pH of 4.5-6.5, salinity between 90-150 mg/L and adequate phosphorus for its nutritional needs. It is labour intensive, grows fast. Azolla doubles its weight in 3-5 days. From a start of 1t/ha, it can reach a fresh weight of 15-20 t/ha in about 20 days. Azolla is rich in protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals