Nutraceutical aspects of Azolla: A low-cost organic input for Livestock

Livestock has a significant role in the world economy. Livestock is the major source of livelihood for about 20.5 million people in India and livestock resources contribute 4.11% of the country's GDP and 25.6% of total agriculture GDP. On the other hand, there is a huge gap between demand and supply of feed and fodder in India, which can be reduced by exploring natural feed resources as supplements. To complete the shortage of feed and optimum production of livestock, it is significant to explore some non-conventional nutritive feed resources. The aquatic fern, Azolla has been identified as one of the most efficient substitutes for livestock as it can be easily digested due to its low lignin with high protein content having especially essential amino acid lysine. Its unique nutrient aspects make it an ideal feed for livestock, poultry, goat, fish, and pigs. Nutraceutical aspects of Azolla bio-feed technology will be taken up in a big way by the dairy farmers, especially, by those who experience land scarce conditions for fodder production.