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A Study on the Potential of Azolla pinnata as Livestock Feed Supplement for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation

  • October 2017
Authors:
Hem Chander at Career Point University
Hem Chander
Gulshan Kumar at Career Point University
Gulshan Kumar
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Abstract and Figures

Azolla pinnata is an aquatic fern. It is a good source of high quality protein. It also contains almost all essential amino acids, vitamins, Beta-carotene, minerals and appreciable quantities of bio-polymers. It contains 21-23% crude protein. Investigations were undertaken to explore nutritive potential of Azolla pinnata as balanced feed for livestock. An on farm trial was conducted on cattle, goat and chicks at three locations of Hamirpur district namely Lag-Manwin (Bhoranj), Annu (Hamirpur) and Mann (Nadaun). Azolla units were established for cultivation of Azolla at each location. The cultivated Azolla was then fed to select cattle, goat and chicks as protein supplement for two months regularly. There was an appreciable increase in milk production (10-15%), meat by weight (8-10%) and egg laying capacity (10-15%) in milch animals, goats and chicks respectively. On the basis of the present investigations and observations, Azolla pinnata is being recommended as potential unconventional protein supplement for livestock during lean period of the year in rain fed areas. This technology has promising climate change adaptive capacity and is helpful in climate change adaptation of famers in these areas as climate change is a threat to livestock production because of the impact on quantity and quality of feed crops, fodder and forage.
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Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 2017, 5(2), 65-68
ISSN (Print): 2454 – 7492
ISSN (Online): 2347 – 4114
www.ajabs.org
65
INTRODUCTION: Azolla pinnata is an aquatic free
floating fern belonging to the family Azollaceae. It
grows in association with blue-green algae- Anabaena
azolle which has utility as a nitrogen fixer. Nutritive
value of Azolla is well documented and promotes it as
a good source of protein as it contains around 21-23%
crude protein It is also found to contain essential min-
erals like Iron, Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium etc.
and appreciable quantities of Vitamins A and Vitamin
B-12.1 It is considered to be the most promising be-
cause of the ease of cultivation, minimal water for
propagation, high productivity and good nutritive
value.2,3 It was used as feed to juvenile black tiger
shrimp, goats and buffalo calves.4,5,6 Whereas Azolla
filiculoides was also used in diets for sows and as
partial replacement of protein source for growing-
fattening pigs.7,8,9 Azolla pinnata was also tried as a
protein supplements for Rabbits.10-14 It is also a poten-
tial source of nitrogen and is a potential feed ingredi-
ent for livestock, goatry and backyard poultry.15 There
is an acute shortage of feed and fodder for dairy ani-
mals due to climate change and other factors. The
shortage of green fodder has been estimated to be 30-
35% in lean period in rain fed districts Bilaspur,
Hamirpur and Una of Himachal Pradesh. During pre-
sent investigations Azolla pinnata has been observed
as an alternative to green fodder and as supplementary
protein diet due to its high palatability and enhanced
yield under rain fed condition in lean period.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: On farm trial was
conducted at three locations viz. Village Lag-Manwin
in Bhoranj Block, Village Annu in Hamirpur Block
and Mann village in Nadaun Block of Hamirpur (H.P.)
At all the three locations, three pits of uniform dimen-
sions (3 X 1 X 0.2 m) were dug preferably under the
partial shade of a tree, after covering silpauline sheet
(150 GSM) without any holes and spread out over the
pits such that sheets were no longer and broader than
the pits, 20-25 kg sieved fertile soil was uniformly
spread over the silpauline sheet in each pit, while 12-
14 kg Vermi-compost was also added to it. About 18-
20 gms Single Super Phosphate (SSP) in 120-150
liters water is poured onto the sheet. Water was poured
to make the water level reach about 9 cm. A few hours
later, about 500 gms to 1 kg of fresh and pure Azolla
pinnata cultures were inoculated in the pit (Figure 1).
Azolla pinnata rapidly grows, multiplies and fills the
pit within 15-17 days (Figure 2). Azolla pinnata pro-
duction in one unit during one year is approximately
equal to 260 kg.
About 1.5-2.0 kg/m2/week of Azolla can be harvested.
To assess the palatability of Azolla in cows and
chicks, fully grown Azolla was harvested daily and it
was first washed with clean water and then directly
fed to the milch animals and poultry (Figure 3 and
Figure 4). It was also fed by mixing with double quan-
tity by weight of dry wheat straw to milch animals.
A Study on the Potential of
Azolla pinnata
as Livestock Feed Supplement
for Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation
Gulshan Kumar1 and Hem Chander2*
1 & 2 Department of Biosciences, Career Point University, Hamirpur (H.P.), INDIA
* Correspondance: E-mail: hemchander78@gmail.com
(Received 15 Sept, 2017; Accepted 10 Oct, 2017; Published 17 Oct, 2017)
ABSTRACT: Azolla pinnata is an aquatic fern. It is a good source of high quality protein. It also contains almost all
essential amino acids, vitamins, Beta-carotene, minerals and appreciable quantities of bio-polymers. It contains 21-
23% crude protein. Investigations were undertaken to explore nutritive potential of Azolla pinnata as balanced feed
for livestock. An on farm trial was conducted on cattle, goat and chicks at three locations of Hamirpur district
namely Lag-Manwin (Bhoranj), Annu (Hamirpur) and Mann (Nadaun). Azolla units were established for cultiva-
tion of Azolla at each location. The cultivated Azolla was then fed to select cattle, goat and chicks as protein supple-
ment for two months regularly. There was an appreciable increase in milk production (10-15%), meat by weight (8-
10%) and egg laying capacity (10-15%) in milch animals, goats and chicks respectively. On the basis of the present
investigations and observations, Azolla pinnata is being recommended as potential unconventional protein supple-
ment for livestock during lean period of the year in rain fed areas. This technology has promising climate change
adaptive capacity and is helpful in climate change adaptation of famers in these areas as climate change is a threat
to livestock production because of the impact on quantity and quality of feed crops, fodder and forage.
Keywords: Azolla pinnata; Feed Supplement; Climate Change; Livestock; Mitigation.
[(Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 5(2), 2017, 65-68) A Study on the Potential of Azolla pinnata as Livestock Feed Supplement…]
66
The information so generated was analysed statistical-
ly using ANOVA and Tukey-Kramer Multiple Com-
parison test.
Figure 1: Preparation of Silpauline Azolla Pit.
Figure 2: Production of Azolla pinnata for harvesting.
Figure 3: Feeding of fresh Azolla pinnata to milch
animal.
Figure 4: Feeding of fresh Azolla pinnata to backyard
poultry.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: After consumption
of Azolla pinnata, there was an appreciable increase
of 10-15% in milk production (Table 1), 8-10 % in-
crease in meat by weight (Table 2) and 10-15% in-
crease in egg laying capacity (Table 3), in milch ani-
mals, goats and chicks respectively. Regarding palat-
ability, at all the three locations it was observed that
upon daily harvesting 1.2 kg - 1.5 kg of Azolla
pinnata was consumed by cattle per day that ultimate-
ly increased yield 200-250 ml per day in comparison
to farmer practices of feeding only dry fodder in lean
periods especially March-June in summer season and
September-December in winter season. The nutrient
constitution of Azolla pinnata is found to be almost
similar to that of commercial livestock feed, except
that the protein content is high (Table 4). On the basis
of the present investigations, Azolla pinnata is being
recommended as potential unconventional protein
supplement for livestock during lean period of the
year in rain fed areas of Himachal Pradesh. This tech-
nology is also helpful in climate change adaptation as
climate change is a threat to livestock production
because of the impact on quality of feed crop and
forage, water availability, animal and milk produc-
tion, livestock diseases, animal reproduction, and
biodiversity.16 About 35-40 % cattle owners has al-
ready adopted this technology of Azolla pinnata culti-
vation after extension and training. This technology
has enhanced income of farmers through increase in
milk production (200-250 ml per cattle per day) in
three villages of District Hamirpur.
Table 1: Milk yield after consumption of Azolla pinnata
by Cattle.
Location
Continuous Feeding of
fresh Azolla pinnata as
supplement (kg) per
cattle per day
Increase in
Milk yield
(Liter) in two
months
Lag
-
Manwin 1.2-1.5 13.50
Annu 1.2-1.5 12.00
Mann 1.2-1.5 15.00
Table 2: Meat by weight yield after consumption of
Azolla pinnata by 6 months goat.
Location
Continuous Feeding of
fresh Azolla pinnata as
supplement (gms) per
goat per day
Increase in
meat by weight
yield (Kg) in
two months
Lag
-
Manwin 200-225 2.0
Annu 200-210 2.1
Mann 200-250 2.2
[(Asian J. Adv. Basic Sci.: 5(2), 2017, 65-68) A Study on the Potential of Azolla pinnata as Livestock Feed Supplement…]
67
Table 3: Egg laying capacity after consumption of Azolla
pinnata by backyard poultry.
Location
Continuous Feeding
of fresh Azolla pinnata
as supplement (gms)
per chick per day
Increase in Egg
laying capacity
(no. of eggs) in
two months
Lag-
Manwin 30-40 3-5
Annu 35-40 5-7
Mann 40-45 4-6
Table 4: Nutritional composition of Azolla pinnata as a
livestock feed.
Crude protein (%) 21-23
Crude fiber (%) 10-13
Total Ash (%) 24-27
Essential Minerals (%) 45-55
Environmental factors that affect Efficiency of Azolla
pinnata cultivation are:
Water is very essential for growth and survival.
Since it is free floating fern, 7-11cm deep water is
required.
The pH is the most important element for its multi-
plication. The optimum pH of 5.0-7.2 is good for
growth. It grows well in slightly acidic to slightly
alkaline soils.
The high temperature inhibits the growth and ni-
trogen fixation. Temperature below 5˚C and above
35˚C has adverse effect.
The salinity of water adversely affects its efficien-
cy.
Photosynthesis is the prime requirement for its
survival. The long photoperiods and optimum tem-
perature supports the growth and increases its ni-
trogen-fixation potential.
Except nitrogen, all micro and macro elements are
essential for its normal growth.
Use of nitrogenous fertilizers adversely affects its
growth. However, use of low concentration of am-
monium and nitrate promote the growth of Azolla
pinnata.
Recommendations for Azolla unit establishment are:
A place of direct sunlight should be avoided and a
partial shady place should be chosen.
Azolla pinnata biomass should be regularly re-
moved daily to ovoid overcrowding.
Azolla pinnata should be protected from pests like
pyralis and snails.
About 10-15 kg bed soil should be replaced with
equal quantity of fresh soil, once in a month, to
avoid nitrogen build up and prevent micro nutrient
deficiency.
Chlorised tapwater should be avoided and one third
water also needs to be replaced with fresh water,
once in fortnight to prevent nitrogen build up in the
bed.
A new and fresh Azolla pinnata unit has to be pre-
pared and inoculated with pure culture of Azolla
pinnata, when contaminated by pests and diseases.
Use Jute or plastic mulch to cover upper surface of
Azolla pinnata unit to avoid chilling effect of frost
during winter season.
CONCLUSION: Present investigation was conducted
on cattle, goat and chicks at three locations of
Hamirpur district namely Lag-Manwin (Bhoranj),
Annu (Hamirpur) and Mann (Nadaun). Azolla units
were established for cultivation of Azolla and then it
was fed to select cattle, goat and chicks as protein
supplement for two months regularly. There was an
appreciable increase in milk production (10-15%),
meat by weight (8-10%) and egg laying capacity (10-
15%), in milch animals, goats and chicks respectively.
On the basis of the present investigations, Azolla
pinnata is being recommended as potential unconven-
tional protein supplement for livestock during lean
period of the year in rain fed areas of Himachal Pra-
desh.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT: Authors are thankful to
Department of Animal–Husbandry and ICAR-NICRA
(National Innovations in Climate Resilience Agricul-
ture) for providing necessary grants for this investiga-
tion. We are also thankful to Department of Animal
Science and Nutrition, CSKHP Krishi
Vishavavidayala, Palampur and Deputy Director of
Animal Husbandry, Hamirpur (H.P.) for providing
logistic facilities.
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... As well as, provitamins (such as β-carotene), chlorophyll, lipids and minerals like iron, calcium, magnesium, potassium, phosphorus, manganese, copper, sodium, and zinc in addition to appreciable amounts of vitamins A and B12 (El Naggar and El-Mesery, 2022). The nutritional value of azolla as a proteinrich and provitamins source for large animals and poultry has been recognized several years ago (Kumar and Chander, 2017). Due to its easy cultivation, high propagation, high productivity besides good nutritive value, it is considered to be an unconventional feed and cheap source of protein, which can be incorporated into the supplementary diets for honeybee colonies as well as farm animals and poultry (Bhatt et al., 2020). ...
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Article
  • Jan 2006
A 42-day feeding experiment was conducted to study the feasibility of utilizing azolla (Azolla pinnata) meal (AZM) as a replacement for soybean me al (SBM) in the diets for juvenile Penaeus monodon. The replacement levels of azolla meal prot ein in the diets were 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% of th e total soybean meal protein. All diets were isonitro genous at 40% crude protein. Shrimp (mean initial weight, 0.49±0.02 g) were fed three times daily ad libitum at an initial feeding allowance of 10% tota l body weight per day. A completely randomized design was used in the study and shrimp were stocked at a density of 10 animals/72 L-tank in triplicates. T here were not significant differences in weight gai ns (1.97-2.06 g), specific growth rates (SGR 3.81-3.89 %/d), feed conversion ratios (FCR 2.06-2.77), protein efficiency ratios (PER 0.89-1.24), apparent protein utilization (APU, 43.3 -56.7%), and survival rates (99.1-100%) among shrimp groups (P>0.05). Fee ding preference tests showed that either soybean meal-based diet or azolla meal-based diet was simil arly preferred (P>0.05) by shrimp with the preference values of 51 and 40% for soybean meal-ba sed diet and azolla meal-based diet, respectively. The results of this study suggest that azolla meal protein can replace up to 100% of the soybean meal protein in practical diet for juvenile black tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon under laboratory conditions without any adverse performance. The use of azolla meal as an alternative plant protein source to soybean meal may be able to reduce the feed costs f or Penaeus monodon aquaculture.
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