Challenges of Incorporating Azolla in Broiler Diets: Impacts on Nutrient Absorption and Physiological Pathways

Abstract

Azolla, which is a fern with high protein, vitamin, and mineral content, has recently been viewed as a sustainable substitute feed material for broilers. Due to its capacity for nitrogen fixation and remarkable growth rate, Azolla is an economic and environmental substitute for conventional feeds like soybean meal. However, its utilization is hampered by high crude fiber, poor metabolizable energy, and anti-nutritional factors (ANFs), which can inhibit digestibility and growth performance.