Kenyan livestock farmers are increasingly adopting azolla, an aquatic fern, as a low-cost protein source for animal feeds. This shift addresses challenges posed by soybean's supply constraints and high transportation costs from regional suppliers.
Scientific research dating back to the 1970s and 1980s has highlighted azolla's nutritional profile, rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Studies by Becerra (1995), Lumpkin and Plucknett (1982), and Van Hove and López (1983) identified azolla as a highly productive aquatic plant with significant feed value. Its digestibility and absence of lignin make it particularly suitable for livestock.
Feeding trials in India (1978) showed that azolla could replace 20% of commercial chicken feed, while a 2002 study found a 10-15% increase in milk yield when combined with regular feed. Researchers noted unexpected productivity gains, suggesting further investigation is needed.
Azolla's use as feed for poultry, swine, and fish has been documented since the 1960s. In 1966, Dao and Tran confirmed its recognition as a feed for wildfowl in the US, domesticated ducks in China, and domestic fowl in Vietnam. Alcantara and Querubin (1985) tested its application for fish, swine, and poultry, while Tran and Dao (1979) reported that one hectare of azolla can produce 540-720kg of protein monthly.
Modern trials indicate that 20-25% of commercial feed can be replaced with fresh azolla, with some cases showing improved growth rates and egg production. However, azolla farming requires consistent water supply and quality. A 60-square-meter pond can produce enough for 100 chickens daily, but scalability depends on local water resources. Farmers are advised to integrate azolla as a supplement rather than a complete protein substitute.
