ABSTRACT
Azolla is an aquatic fern which forms a symbiotic association with a blue-green algae Anabaena azollae. It is rich in carbohydrate, protein, minerals, vitamin, and essential amino acids. So it is also known as “green gold mine” of the nature. Previously it was used as biofertilizer in the paddy field as an alternative source of nitrogen and biomass. But nowadays, it is used in as a feed supplement for variety of animals such as cattle, goat, pigs, rabbits, chickens, ducks, and fish. It is also used in soil and water reclamation, biogas production, medicine preparation, and even as human food. In livestock sector a good amount of feed can be replaced with Azolla either in fresh or in dried powder form without hampering the production and quality of the product. Thus, it reduces the production cost and thereby increases the net profit of the farmers. Azolla can be collected from its natural habitat such as swamp, pond, and ditches or can be cultivated in concrete or semi-concrete pit or container, earthen pots, etc.
