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Save and Grow; Azolla and Catfish Magic

I have being following the hydroponics technology trend for some times now. And this is made
possible through one of my friend, who is also the number one proponent of hydroponics
technology in Nigeria; Pastor Adebowale Onafowora. The technology which is fast providing
succor to livestock farmers and dramatically changing and restoring hopes to the livestock
farming in Nigeria through fodder production. As a fish farmer, I watch with amazement how this
amazing technology is helping poultry, pig, cow, rabbit, grass-cutter farmers among several to
smile to the banks, and wander when would my own ‘saviour’ show up! I believe the universal
mind heard my supplication. I was privileged to attend another of Pastor Adebowale’s BIC Farms
training not too long ago in Port-harcourt where among several other revelations the convener
revealed  this ‘super-organism’ called Azolla.
My objective in this blog today is to look into the application and practice of hydroponics
technology to the production of one of the world’s major source of protein and business
opportunities. That is, to show catfish farmers all over how we can profitably do catfish business
using hydroponics technology/Azolla.

Catfish farming is undoubtedly faced with many challenges, among such is high cost of of production, of important
note is cost of fish feed. http://www.dailytrust.com.ng/news/agriculture/high-fish-feeds-prices-forcing-lagos-farmers-
out-of-business/167687.html The prices of fish feeds in recent time have gone up by as high as 80 to 100 percent. The
challenge of high cost of feed is  forcing some fish farmers to abandon their farms in search of other business
ventures. You will recall that Cost of feed alone account for over 65% cost of production and apparently a major
concern. Despite our capacity to feed the world, it is disturbing that Nigeria still spend about $700m on fish importation
annually, http://t.guardian.ng/features/nigeria-spends-700m-on-fish-imports-annually-minister/. As someone that is
concern with helping farmers maximize their experience, it was a major discovery that their is a technology that
promises to help fish farmers come out of this hard time.

Why is Azolla unique?

Azolla is unique because it is one of the fastest growing plants on the planet – yet it does not need any soil to grow.
This made this super-organism to fall into class of hydroponics (soil-less)

Unlike almost all other plants, Azolla is able to get its nitrogen fertilizer directly from the
atmosphere. That means that it is able to produce bio-fertilizer, livestock feed, food and bio-fuel
exactly where they are needed and, at the same time, draw down large amounts of CO2 from the
atmosphere, thus helping to reduce the threat of climate change.

Suitability of Azolla as a livestock feed

Green plants have long been recognized as the cheapest and most abundant potential source of
proteins because of their ability to synthesize amino acids from a wide range of virtually
unlimited and readily available primary materials (Fasuyi & Aletor, 2005)

Azolla is very rich in proteins, essential amino acids, vitamins (vitamin A, vitamin B12, Beta
Carotene), growth promoter intermediaries and minerals including calcium, phosphorous,
potassium, ferrous, copper, magnesium.  On a dry weight basis, Azolla has 25-35% protein
content, 10-15% mineral content, and 7-10% comprising a combination of amino acids, bio-active
substances and biopolymers (Kamalasanana et al., 2002). Azolla’s carbohydrate and oil content
is very low.

Azolla is also rich in iron (1000–8600 ppm dry weight), copper (3–210 ppm dry weight)
manganese (120–2700 ppm dry weight), vitamin A (300–600 ppm dry weight.), vitamin A (300–
600 ppm dry weigh), chlorophyll and carotenes. It contains 4.8–6.7% dry weight crude fat, with
6.1–7.7% and 12.8– 26.4% total fat for the polyunsaturated acids omega 3 and omega 6
(Paoletti et al., 1987).

Azolla meal contains 25.78% crude protein, 15.71% crude fiber, 3.47% ether extract, 15.76% ash
and 30.08% nitrogen free extract on the air-dry basis (Basak et al., 2002).  In addition, aquatic
plant species including Azolla do not to accumulate secondary plant compounds and therefore
has a greater potential than tree leaves to source protein for monogastric animals.

Becerra et al. (1995), Lumpkin & Plucknett (1982) and Van Hove & López (1983) all concluded
that Azolla is the most promising aquatic plant for livestock feed due to its ease of cultivation,
productivity and nutritive value.  Azolla’s use as a feed for fish, swine and poultry was also tested
and recommended by Alcantara & Querubin (1985) and Tran & Dao (1979) reported that one
hectare of Azolla can produce 540-720 kg of protein per month.

Azolla’s composition therefore makes it one of the most economic and efficient feed substitutes
for livestock, particularly as can be easily digested by livestock due to its high protein and low
lignin content.

Azolla and Fish

Azolla is a potential food for freshwater fish farming for two reasons:

1.  The primary limiting factor for productivity of tropical aquatic ecosystems is often the bio
availability of nitrogen, which can be supplied by Azolla-Anabaena.
2.  Approximately 95% of the cost of formulating an average production diet is related to meeting
protein and energy needs of the fish, and these are contain in azolla. 

Catfish are generally classified as omnivores or predators. Micha (1973) examined catfishes
from the River Ubangui (Central African Republic) and found that C. lazera (= C. gariepinus) fed
mainly on aquatic insects, fish and higher plant debris. They have been found to feed on
terrestrial insects, molluscs and fruits(fao). Without further argument, Azolla remains a potential
food for catfish.

More on Azolla soon.

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 18/02/2017  2 Replies

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niyi abel on 08/07/2017 at 8:17 am

Good day sir ,I really need Azolla can you help me get or point me in the right direction

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olaidemuyiwa on 08/07/2017 at 4:50 pm

You can contact us on this number. 08038082109

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about 3 weeks ago

*Covid-19 and The Catfish Farming Realities*

My Opinion
Fish farming right now is good, and it's going to
get better in no distant time. The fact that the
price of fish is nose diving notwithstanding,
things are going to work out for farmers and we
all shall soon begin to smile as our nation
achieves food Security. Let this drives you to
not relent in your effort in putting our nation on
the path to self-sufficient in food production.
Farmers are today's hero.

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