Nutrient composition, Mineral Profile, Digestibility, Production Performances and Economics of hydroponic Fodder Maize and Horse gram in Goats

Author: P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S.Gunasekaran, C. Valli, R.Karunakaran and H.Gopi

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Abstract

Inadequate availability of green fodder is commonly noticed in livestock feeding. Hydroponic fodder production is an alternative technology to increase green fodder production by vertical farming. Research works on the chemical composition, mineral profile, digestibility, production performances and economics of hydroponic fodder maize and horse gram in goats is scarce and hence a study was conducted to evaluate the nutritional characterization of hydroponic fodders and assess the potential of hydroponic fodders feeding in goats. Significantly (P<0.05) higher crude protein, Nitrogen Free Extract, Neutral Detergent Fibre, hemicellulose was observed in hydroponic fodders compared to their conventional counter parts. Phosphorus sodium, copper and selenium content were significantly (P<0.05) higher in hydroponic fodder maize compared to conventional fodder maize. The DCP (8.23 Vs 4.59; 13.93 Vs 10.12) and TDN (82.08 Vs 60.71; 70.89 Vs 58.68) per cent of hydroponic fodder maize and hydroponic fodder horse gram were significantly (P<0.05) higher than conventional fodder maize and fodder horse gram. The production performance in goats revealed that hydroponic fodder maize and hydroponic fodder horse gram in 3:1 ratio could replace conventional roughage source for growing goats. The cost of feeding per kg live weight gain of goats with hydroponic fodder maize and hydroponic fodder horse gram was much higher than feeding conventional fodder maize and fodder horse gram (146.80 Vs 457.42). Hydroponic fodders cannot be used for routine feeding but only be used as fodder during feed scarcity or calamity period.

Keywords

Hydroponic fodder maize, Hydroponic fodder horse gram, Minerals, Digestibility trial, Production performance, Economics

Conclusion

The nutritive value of hydroponic fodders viz. fodder maize and fodder horse gram is higher compared to their conventional counterparts as reflected by their higher crude protein. Hydroponic fodder maize and hydroponic fodder horse gram in the ratio of 3: 1 can replace conventional roughage source for growing goats without adversely affecting DMI, body condition, growth rate and Feed Conversion Ratio. The cost of feeding per kg live weight gain of goats with hydroponic fodder maize and hydroponic fodder horse gram is much higher than feeding conventional fodder maize and conventional fodder horse gram (INR 351.42 Vs INR 146.80), suggesting that hydroponic fodders cannot be used routinely but only be used as fodder during feed scarcity or calamity period.

References

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How to cite this article

P. Tensingh Gnanaraj, S.Gunasekaran, C. Valli, R.Karunakaran and H.Gopi (2023). Nutrient composition, Mineral Profile, Digestibility, Production Performances and Economics of hydroponic Fodder Maize and Horse gram in Goats. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(9): 837-845.