An updated review of azolla in poultry diets

Aquatic plants have been shown to improve performance when included in bird diets at an early stage, particularly when used to provide a small portion of the total protein needed. Azolla (Azolla pinnata) is a widely distributed heterosporous aquatic fern. Azolla resembles other common ferns, although it is green in colour and appears more like duckweed or mosses when it is floating freely on the water's surface. It can be used as a protein source in chicken and animal feed. Azolla has a wide range of pharmacological properties and can be used as a food source as well as an antioxidant, immunological booster, hepatoprotector, phytoremediator and bioremediator. B12, beta-carotene and vitamin A are among the vitamins, biopolymers, minerals, and amino acids found in azolla. Carotene and trace minerals are abundant in azolla. It seems to be a medication that protects the liver from hepatotoxic chemicals. Its decoction (concentrated plant liquor) includes properties that are anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic, making it a desirable treatment and preventive option for good hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the feed conversion ratio, average performance, performance index, egg weight, egg production, egg shape index, and yolk colour of laying ducks fed azolla-based diets were all improved. The goal of this exploratory study was to learn more about the health benefits of azolla as well as how Azolla pinnata should be recognised by researchers, vets, and poultry nutritionists in order to increase chicken productivity.

Automated summary

Azolla pinnata, a widely distributed aquatic fern, can be used as a protein source in bird and animal feed. It has various pharmacological properties and can serve as an antioxidant, immunological booster, hepatoprotector, as well as a phytoremediator and bioremediator. Feeding azolla-based diets improves performance and egg production in laying ducks.