Vol. 8, Special Issue 3 (2023)

This review paper aims to analyse the possibility of Azolla as an alternative feed source for livestock and poultry production. The manuscript has been prepared by reviewing a plethora of available literatures related to this topic. The report of 20^th livestock census-2019 states that, India holds around 20% of world’s livestock population, which is precisely 535.82 million. The population has increased by 4. 6% than previous livestock census-2012. Feed and fodder are the basis of existence of livestock and birds. The feed cost alone accounts around 70% of the total cost of livestock production. In a first changing world, the prices of animal feed i.e. both green fodder and concentrate are increasing day by day. Keeping this in mind, it is imperative to find an alternative feed source which will economise the cost of production and will be helpful towards a sustainable livestock and poultry production. Azolla is a fern that grows faster in fresh water in both temperate and tropical countries. It can be fed to various livestock and poultry birds without any deleterious effects. Various studies have reported that there was an overall increase of 15- 20% milk yield in cattle and buffalo upon feeding of 1.5-2 kg of Azolla in combination with daily ration. In case of meat animals and birds like pigs, rabbits, sheep, goats, ducks, quails, chickens etc., improved growth performances have been reported, indicating the possibility of using Azolla as a feed ingredient.