Azolla is a
fern,which can grow on fresh water. azolla can use for cattle feed due to rich
source of protein, carbohydrates, minerals and
beta caratine.this artificial cultivation of azolla gives feed at
cheeper cost then concentrate feed & also give more nutrients. These azolla
feed can use for cattle, buffalo, sheep, goat, pigs and poultry
Nutritive value of
azolla
Protine 18 -22 %, rich source of all essencial amino acids, vitamine A ,
B carotene,
Cultivation procedure
Materials
require;
2.5mx1.5m lenth
pit,
Silpavline
sheet 2.6mx1.6m
Sieved fertile
soil 10 -15 kgs
Cow dung 1kg
Mineral
mixture 30 gms
Procedure
technique:
First prepare a pit measuring L 2.5m x W1.5 m x H 10 cms , clan and
remove all stone particals,keep silpavline sheet 2.6x1.6 over the pit. take 10-15 kgs sieved
fertile soil and mix it with one kg of two days old cow dung, and add 10 lits
of pure water in to pit, mix it well and add 30 gms of mineral mix . water
level must be 10 cms length hight. Then add 0.5 -1 kg pure azolla culture , it
requires 10 -15 days to spread the to total lenth of the pit, daily 0.5 – 1 kg
of azolla can harvest then after.
Add 30 gms mixture and 0.5 kg cow dung every week gap to
combct mineral deficiency.
Replace some water every 10 days, replace culture every 6
months
Precautions
-
Maintain temperature 25 degree centrigrate
-
Use net to prevent direct sunlight and dust
-
Remove the azolla regularly to avoid over accumulation
-Add fresh water every 10 days
-
Add fresh culture every 6 months
-Clean azolla with fresh water to remove the dung odour
By this
method we can get 1 kg of azolla feed for cattle buffalo,sheep, goat, and
poultry daily usage. Cost of azolla feed 0.50 paise/kgs by this
azolla cultivation farmers can decrease the feed cost and also produce more
milk production,provide good nutrient diet to animals. Azolla culture can offer
by mix with concentrate feed in equel ratio
By giving azolla feed we
enhance the milk quantity and also fat percentage
