Co-authors: Saraswati Ray and Ishaya Gadzama
Summary
Green fodder is an essential component of livestock diets. However, traditional methods of fodder production face numerous challenges, including water scarcity, land availability, and seasonal variations. Hydroponic fodder production offers a promising alternative, enabling farmers to cultivate nutrient-rich fodder year-round in a controlled environment. This practice involves growing seeds in a soilless system, using only water and nutrients. This article examines the benefits, methodology, and key findings of a study investigating the hydroponic fodder potential of various legume species in Nigeria.
Introduction
The increasing demand for livestock products necessitates innovative and sustainable approaches to feed production (Gadzama et al., 2016; Yashim et al., 2016). Hydroponic forage legume production offers a promising solution, particularly in regions facing water scarcity and limited land availability. This method involves growing legume fodder in a controlled environment without soil, using nutrient-rich solutions to support plant growth (Tilako and Mohammed, 2023).
Figure 1: Legume species used for hydroponic fodder production
Advantages of Hydroponic Fodder Production
Hydroponic systems offer several advantages over conventional fodder production, including:
- Reduced water consumption: Hydroponics significantly reduces water usage compared to traditional agriculture, making it a viable option in arid and semi-arid regions
- Faster growth cycles: Hydroponically grown fodder matures rapidly, enabling frequent harvests and a consistent supply of fresh feed.
- Enhanced nutritional value: Hydroponic fodder can exhibit higher protein content and improved digestibility, leading to better livestock performance.
- Year-round production: Controlled environments enable consistent fodder production regardless of external factors such as weather conditions or seasonal variations.
Selecting suitable legume species is crucial for successful hydroponic fodder production. Factors such as growth rate, biomass yield, and nutritional profile should be considered. Research by Tilako and Mohammed (2023) evaluated various legume species, revealing significant variations in their hydroponic fodder potential. Particularly, Mucuna pruriens exhibited exceptional performance in plant height, leaf production, and biomass yield, highlighting its suitability for this production system. The adoption of hydroponic forage legume production can significantly contribute to sustainable livestock farming practices, enhancing feed efficiency, reducing environmental impact, and ensuring a consistent supply of high-quality fodder.
The study by Tilako and Mohammed (2023) tested six types of legume plants, using a method where each type was tested three times to ensure accurate results (Completely Randomized Design). Figure 1 illustrates the six legume species evaluated for their hydroponic fodder potential.
The parameters measured include:
- Plant Height: Measured from root to shoot using a ruler at different intervals.
- Mat Thickness: Measured from the base of the stem to the end of the root at specific intervals.
- Number of Leaves: Counted and recorded at regular intervals.
- Leaf Length and Width: Measured using a ruler at specific intervals.
- Fresh Fodder Yield: Measured by weighing the total green fodder, including roots at harvest.
- Quantity of Water Applied: Recorded to determine the water consumption of each species.
Summary of key findings
The results revealed significant variations in growth parameters, biomass yield, and water usage among the tested legume species.
Plant Height
Mucuna pruriens had the greatest plant height, averaging 6.58 cm (2.6 inches) after 8 days, while Stylosanthes guianensis had the shortest height at 2.53 cm (1 inch). This difference is due to their growth habits; Mucuna pruriens grows vigorously and climbs, while Stylosanthes guianensis grows more horizontally.
Number of Leaves
Stylosanthes hamata produced the highest number of leaves, with 6 leaves after 8 days. More leaves mean more photosynthesis and higher biomass, which is beneficial for fodder production.
Mat Thickness
Centrosema pascourum had the thickest mat at 3.70 cm (1.45 inches), indicating a strong root system. Meanwhile, Mucuna pruriens had the thinnest mat at 1.57 cm (o.6 inches). Mat thickness is an indicator of root development and density. The thick mat of Centrosema pascourum suggests a robust root system, which can enhance nutrient uptake and plant stability.
Biomass Yield
Mucuna pruriens yielded the highest biomass (775g or 1.7 lbs), while Centrosema pubescens produced the lowest (350g or 0.77lbs). Biomass yield is a crucial factor in fodder production as it directly reflects the quantity of feed produced. The high biomass yield of Mucuna pruriens aligns with its vigorous growth habit and high leaf count, highlighting its suitability for hydroponic fodder production.
Water Usage
The study observed no significant difference in water usage among the legume species, with Centrosema pubescens and Lablab purpureus consuming slightly more water (1.10 liters/kg or 0.13 gal/lbs fodder) compared to Mucuna pruriens (1.08 liters/kg fodder or 0.12 gal/lbs). The efficient water use across all tested legume species demonstrates a key advantage of hydroponic systems, which typically utilize water more effectively than traditional agriculture.
Further Research Directions in Hydroponic Forage Legume Production
Feeding Value of Hydroponic Fodder for Livestock
While the study focuses on growth parameters and biomass yield, it does not provide detailed information on the nutritional composition of the produced fodder. Further research should assess the protein content, fiber composition, mineral content, and vitamin levels in hydroponically grown Mucuna pruriens and other promising species. This information is imperative for determining the optimal inclusion rates in livestock diets and assessing the overall nutritional value of the fodder.
Further research should be conducted to evaluate the feeding value of hydroponic fodder for livestock. This would involve comparing the growth rate, milk production, egg production, and overall health of animals fed hydroponic fodder versus those fed conventional diets.
The study uses a standard nutrient solution for all legume species. However, different species may have varying nutrient requirements. Further research could explore optimizing nutrient solution compositions for specific legume species to enhance growth, biomass yield, and nutritional content.
Economic Feasibility and Profitability of Hydroponic Fodder Production
A comprehensive economic analysis of hydroponic fodder production is essential to determine its feasibility and profitability. This would involve calculating the costs associated with the setup, operation, and maintenance of the hydroponic system, as well as the market value of the produced fodder. Additionally, comparing the cost-effectiveness of hydroponic fodder production to traditional fodder production methods would be beneficial for informing farmers and policymakers.
Hydroponic systems often require electricity for lighting, water pumps, and environmental control. Research could focus on integrating renewable energy sources, such as solar panels or wind turbines, to power hydroponic systems, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and promoting sustainability.
Environmental Impact of Hydroponic Fodder Production
Hydroponic systems generally have a lower environmental footprint than traditional agriculture. However, further research is needed to assess their long-term impacts. This includes analyzing water usage, nutrient runoff, waste management, and carbon emissions associated with different hydroponic production systems.
Addressing these research gaps allows scientists and practitioners to advance hydroponic forage legume production as a viable and sustainable feed source for livestock. This progress can improve food security, reduce environmental impact, and support the growing global demand for animal products.
Conclusion
The study provides valuable insights into the performance of different legume species for hydroponic fodder production. Mucuna pruriens showed the best overall performance with the highest plant height, leaf count, and biomass yield. Stylosanthes hamata was remarkable for its high leaf production, and Centrosema pascourum had a robust root system. These results highlight the importance of choosing the right species for hydroponic fodder production based on specific traits. Furthermore, the rapid growth cycles and high nutritional value of hydroponically grown fodder make it a valuable feed source for livestock, particularly in areas where conventional fodder production is challenging.
References
- Cook, B.G., Pengelly, B.C., Brown, S.D., Donnelly, J.L., Eagles, D.A., Franco, M.A., Hanson, J., Mullen, B.F., Partridge, I.J., Peters, M. and Schultze-Kraft, R. (2005) Tropical Forages: An Interactive Selection Tool. Lablab purpureus. CSIRO, DPI&F (Qld), CIAT, and ILRI, Brisbane, Australia.
- Gadzama, I. U., Yashim, S. M., Mohammed, I. D., Abdu, S. B., & Ereke, S. O. (2016). Quality assessment of Dusa-Rice Bran Multi-Nutrient Block (DRMB) in a semi-arid environment of North-East Nigeria. Journal of Animal Production Research, 28(1), 33-48. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/334224641_Quality_Assessment_of_Dusa-Rice_Bran_Multi-Nutrient_Block_DRMB_in_a_Semi-Arid_Environment_of_North_East_Nigeria
- Rachel Jemimah, E., Tensingh Gnanaraj, P., & Muthuramalingam, T. (2015). Hydroponic green fodder production-TANUVAS experience.
- Shit, N. (2019). Hydroponic fodder production: an alternative technology for sustainable livestock production in India. Exploratory Animal & Medical Research, 9(2).
- Tilako, J., & Mohammed, I. D. (2023). Evaluation of Forage Legumes for Hydroponic Fodder Potential in the Semi-arid Environment of Nigeria. Bachelor of Agriculture (Animal Science), Final Year Thesis, Faculty of Agriculture, Department of Animal Science, University of Maiduguri, Nigeria.
- Tattari, S., Koskiaho, J., Kosunen, M., Lepistö, A., Linjama, J., & Puustinen, M. (2017). Nutrient loads from agricultural and forested areas in Finland from 1981 up to 2010—can the efficiency of undertaken water protection measures seen?. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment, 189, 1-25.
- Yashim, S. M., Adekola, S. T., Abdu, S. B., Gadzama, I. U., & Hassan, M. R. (2016). Feed intake, growth performance, and nutrient digestibility in growing red Sokoto bucks fed diets containing graded levels of dried sweet orange peel meal. Animal Research International, 13(1), 2328-2337. https://www.ajol.info/index.php/ari/article/view/135001