NUTRITIVE EVALUATION OF AZOLLA AS LIVESTOCK FEED

Present study was undertaken to explore the nutritive potential of Azolla pinnata as an animal feed. For this Azolla was cultivated in water trough, harvested and sundried. Sundried Azolla sample was analysed for proximate principles. The dry matter content of azolla was 4.7 percent. Analysis of dry matter revealed the presence of total 82.66 percent organic matter. Among these includes 22.48 percent crude protein, 4.5 percent ether extract, 14.7 percent crude fiber, and 40.98 percent nitrogen free extract. The total Ash content was17.34 percent.The chemical analysis proves that azolla is a rich source of crude protein, trace minerals and vitamins. The mineral profile of Azolla indicates 1.64% Calcium, 2.71% Potassium and 0.34% Phosphorus and other minerals in trace levels. Thus Azolla can be considered as potential unconventional feed for livestock.