Protein Fractionation and in Vitro Digestibility of Azolla in Ruminants

A study was undertaken to evaluate the nutritive value and digestibility of Azolla in ruminants by in vitro techniques. The crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract contents were at a level of 21.37%, 12.5% and 2.3%, respectively. The neutral and acid detergent fibre levels were about 35.4 and 23.9%, respectively. The average in vitro dry matter digestibility, in vitro organic matter digestibility and metabolozable energy contents were 79.5%, 63.8 mg/200mg and 7.36 MJ/kg DM (1759 kcal/kg), respectively. The various protein fractions A, B1, B2, B3 and C estimated by Cornell net crude protein solubility system were 18.22, 42.56, 15.15, 7.47 and 16.61% of total protein, respectively. The Azolla contained significantly higher B1 fraction followed by A, B2 and C and lowest fraction of C. Thus in view of above, present study indicated Azolla to be a good source protein supplement with 21.37% crude protein with highest B protein fractions, moderate source of energy (1759 kcal ME/kg), high dry matter and organic matter digestibilities and rich in trace minerals thus could be used as an alternate protein supplement or as supplementary protein supplement to ruminants.