author(s)
Mridushmita Sonowal, HK Bhattacharya, MC Kalita, M Sarma, D Bharali and P Boro

abstract
Azolla pinneta and common duckweed (Lemna minor) were cultured in concrete tanks separately under field conditions for 30 days, at the farm of Livestock Research Station, Assam Agricultural University, Mandira, Assam. The biomass production, doubling time and relative growth rate of A. pinneta was recorded as 173.33±13.16g, 5.55±2.35days and 0.124±0.35 g/g/d respectively and L. minor was 143±11.95g, 8.15±2.85 days and 0.084±0.28 g/g/d respectively. The values significantly (P<0.05) differed between the two species. The crude protein, ether extract and crude fibre content of L. minor are significantly (P<0.05) lower than A. pinneta whereas, total ash content was significantly (P<0.05) higher. No significant difference has been observed in the case of dry matter content. It can be concluded from the study that, both A. pinneta and L. minor possess good nutritive values and suitable production behaviour in agro climatic conditions of Assam. But, A. pinneta showed a better results than L. minor.