EXPLORING USE OF AZOLLA AS THE POTENTIAL LIVESTOCK FEED RESOURCES

A REVIEW

Abstract

Azolla is considered a wonder fern with multiple benefits. It is adopted as a high-quality livestock feed supplement, and as a bio-fertilizer by farmers in several countries across the world, despite being considered it as an invasive species. This paper reviewed literatures on the factors contributing to the invasiveness of Azolla in a controlled environment.  In total 53 references were referred which includes 11 books, 26 peer reviewed journal papers and 16 grey literatures from 1997 to 2022. It is synthesized that Azolla becomes invasive if allowed to escape into water bodies that are favorable for its growth. It grows faster in conducive environments such as favorable light intensity and temperature with easily available nutrients, leading to problem of clogging drainage system, reduces light penetration to the deeper part of the water bodies and reduces oxygen for other aquatic organisms. Conversely, Azolla can be easily cultivated in a controlled environment and reap its benefits as livestock feed supplement. It has high protein and mineral content which is vital for livestock feeding, and help reduce feed cost and enhance productivity.