Chemical composition and pellet quality of Azolla pinnata grown in semi-arid zone of India

Present experiment was undertaken to explore the nutritive potential of Azolla pinnata as an animal feed. For this Azolla was cultivated on high-density polyethylene (HDPE) Azolla bed and grounded pits and harvested, dried and incorporated in the pelleted complete feed. Sundried Azolla sample was analyzed 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 21.67 percent crude protein, 3.27 percent ether extract, 12.38 percent crude fiber, and 43.35 percent nitrogen free extract. The total Ash and acid insoluble ash content were found 19.33 and 3.64 percent, respectively. NDF, ADF and hemicellulose in Azolla (Azolla pinnata) were found to be 41.84%, 28.56% and 13.28%, respectively. 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 and 0.34% Phosphorus and other minerals in trace levels. Thus Azolla can be considered as potential unconventional feed for livestock.