• Botanical name: Azolla pinnata (commonly used species in farming).

• Nitrogen fixation: Helps enrich water and soil naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

• Uses:

  • Organic fertilizer in paddy fields.

  • High-protein feed for poultry, cattle, fish, and pigs.

  • Improves soil fertility and crop yield.

• Advantages:

  • Grows rapidly (doubles biomass in 2–3 days).

  • Environmentally friendly and low-cost.

  • Can be cultivated in small ponds or containers.

Azolla has enormous potential as a livestock feed due to:

• Its high content in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B12, Beta Carotene), growth promoter intermediaries and minerals.

• Its ability to proliferate without inorganic nitrogen fertilization.

• Its high rate of growth in water without the need to displace existing crops or natural ecological systems.

It has been used for many years throughout Asia and parts of Africa to feed pigs, ducks, chickens, cattle, fish, sheep and goats and rabbits