Assessment of nutrient content in grain, hydroponic and conventional fodder with focus on maize, wheat and Sudan grass
Paper Details
Assessment of nutrient content in grain, hydroponic and conventional fodder with focus on maize, wheat and Sudan grass
Abstract
Livestock nutrition plays a crucial role in ensuring animal health and productivity. However, the nutritional quality of fodder can vary significantly depending on cultivation methods, posing challenges for livestock farmers in providing balanced diets for their animals. This study aimed to compare the chemical composition of fodder produced using three different cultivation methods: grain, hydroponic, and conventional. Specific objectives included assessing the levels of crude protein, fiber, ether extract, and ashes in maize, wheat, and Sudan grass fodder types. Fodder samples were collected from representative farms and subjected to laboratory analysis to determine their chemical composition. Standard methods were employed to assess crude protein, crude fiber, acid detergent fiber, neutral detergent fiber, ether extract, and ash content. Statistical analysis was conducted to compare the results among different fodder types. Hydroponically cultivated fodder consistently exhibited higher levels of crude protein and ether extract compared to conventionally grown fodder. Additionally, conventional fodder types tended to have higher fiber and ash content. However, all fodder types showed variations in nutritional composition depending on the crop species. Hydroponic cultivation methods resulted in higher protein and lipid content in maize, wheat, and Sudan grass fodder. Conventional fodder types had higher levels of fiber and ash, potentially impacting digestibility and nutrient availability. The findings suggest that hydroponic cultivation methods hold promise for enhancing the nutritional quality of fodder, thereby improving livestock health and productivity. Farmers should consider integrating hydroponic systems into their fodder production practices to optimize animal nutrition and achieve better economic outcomes.
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Md. Baharul Islam, Md. Giush Uddin Ahmed, Md. Akhtarul Islam, Md. Shakil Khan, Ferdous Akter, 2024. Assessment of nutrient content in grain, hydroponic and conventional fodder with focus on maize, wheat and Sudan grass. Int. J. Biosci., 24(3), 187-194.
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