WWW.WAS.ORG • WORLD AQUACULTURE • MARCH 2024 59 (Figure 5). For example, phytase is capable of hydrolyzing indigestible phytate. To lower the levels of dangerous ANFs, Azolla meals should be incorporated into fish diets in a well-processed condition. Environmental Benefit of Azolla in Aquafeed Azolla can convert atmospheric CO2 and nitrogen (N2) into carbohydrates (CH2O) and ammonia (NH3), respectively. When these compounds decompose, they can increase the chemical properties of the soil by adding organic carbon and nitrogen. Utilizing Azolla for biofertilizer, animal feed, medications, water purification, biogas production, mosquito control, and ammonia reduction can help to counteract global warming considerably. Additionally, as green manure, Azolla can be applied to crops such as rice, wheat, vegetables, bananas, and red spinach, resulting in 60-80 percent nitrogen mineralization and a decrease in the need for fertilizer. Azolla can further aid in the preservation of the environment by assisting in the removal of methane from rice fields. By drastically lowering the chance adult mosquitoes will lay eggs and that the larvae will hatch, Azolla can directly inhibit mosquito populations in addition to acting as a mosquito repellent. By making use of this natural resource, diseases carried by mosquitoes can be stopped from spreading and a more sustainable future can be achieved. And because Azolla has a rich composition including lignin, cellulose, nitrogen, proteins, crude fibers and solids, it can be used to generate biogas. The use of Azolla in aquafeeds can contribute to the sustainability and economic feasibility of fish farming and food production systems (Figure 6) in several ways. However, in some aquatic environments with high nutrient levels, Azolla growth can be problematic. It can accumulate into a thick coating which covers the whole surface of the water, depriving farmed fish of oxygen. In addition, strong odors may be produced by decomposition of the plant. Conclusion This article highlights the potential of Azolla meal to increase the profitability of aquaculture in a sustainable way. Azolla meal contains high levels of crude protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals to support the growth and development of many cultured fishes. It also can reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional fishmeal production and lower feed costs in aquaculture. However, minimizing ANFs in Azolla meal is a prerequisite before its use in aquaculture to achieve high growth performance and survival. Notes Vivekanand Bharti*, Kamal Sarma, Tarkeshwar Kumar, S. K. Ahirwal and Jaspreet Singh ICAR- Research Complex for Eastern Region, Patna, Bihar, India, 800014 * Corresponding author: Email: vivekanandbharti15@gmail.com References Mansour, S.A., A. Sameh, S. El-Kasem and M.S. Ahmed. 2022. Impact of feed supplemented with Azolla plant on growth performance and survival rate of tilapia in desert areas. Journal of the Egyptian Academy of Environmental Development 24 (1):23-32. Refaey, M.M., A.I.Mehrim, O.A. Zenhom, H.A Areda, J.A. Ragaza and M.S.Hassaan. 2023. Fresh Azolla, Azolla pinnata as a complementary feed for Oreochromis niloticus: growth, digestive enzymes, intestinal morphology, physiological responses, and flesh quality. Aquaculture Nutrition 1403704. https://doi. org/10.1155/2023/1403704 Swain, B.K., P.K. Naik and C.K. Beura. 2022. Nutritive value of Azolla as poultry feed - A review. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition 39 (1):1-11. https://doi.org/10.5958/2231-6744.2022.00001.9 Yohana, M.A., G.W. Ray, Q. Yang, B. Tan, S. Chi, A. Asase, K. Shiyu and A. Derrick. 2023. A review on the use of Azolla meal as a feed ingredient in aquatic animals’ diets. Aquaculture Research 2633412. https://doi.org/10.1155/2023/2633412 FIGURE 5. Techniques to reduce ANFs of Azolla in aquafeed FIGURE 6. Performance of Azolla towards aquaculture sustainability This article highlights the potential of Azolla meal to increase the profitability of aquaculture in a sustainable way. Azolla meal contains high levels of crude protein, essential amino acids, vitamins and minerals to support the growth and development of many cultured fishes. It also can reduce the environmental impacts associated with conventional fishmeal production and lower feed costs in aquaculture.
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