Research into Alternative Resources to Improve Animal Feed: The Case of Azolla

Abstract

In countries where the animal feed are mainly imported, the search for alternative resources is a key way of reducing these costs. We have chosen to use the Azolla filiculoide plant. It is an aquatic fodder plant that is rich in protein. Its cultivation is simple. For the assessment of its development and yield, Azolla has been grown in two different environments. The first experiment was carried out in two open-air ponds with a surface area of 02 m2 . The water depth was 3 cm and 5 cm, respectively. The second was carried out in the laboratory, using a system of small caissons arranged on shelves. Water was added to these caissons at different depths. In both experiments, nutrient solution consisting of cow dung and some NPK was added. After 20 days of growing, the outdoor experiment showed that Azolla filiculoide could tolerate depths of 3 and 5 cm and could multiply easily. Daily production reached a yield of 305 g/m2 . This corresponds to about 10 kg per month. On the other hand, the laboratory trial was a failure. The Azolla gradually deteriorated over the course of the trial until it died. The reason for this was the inefficiency of the lighting system due to the use of ordinary fluorescent lamps that are unsuitable for Azolla cultivation. We recommend the use of fluorescent lamps specially designed for this purpose. It is possible to grow Azolla in a closed environment as long as the environmental parameters are well controlled. These promising results suggest that Azolla has interesting potential as an alternative source of protein to feed livestock. However, further research will be necessary in order to improve yields and optimize growth conditions.

Keywords

• Azolla filiculoide
• Animal feed
• Alternative resource
• Protein source
• Azolla cultivation
• Agricultural engineering

References

1. Mouhous, A., Ait-Alloua, A., Chettouh, L., Semsoum, N., Zirmi-Zembri, N., Dorbane, Z., Saidj, D., Guermah, H., Djellal, F., Cherfouh, R., Bouzourene, A., & Kadi, S. A. (2024). Research into alternative resources to improve animal feed: The case of Azolla. The Eurasia Proceedings of Science, Technology, Engineering & Mathematics (EPSTEM), 30, 121-128.