Nutritive Value and Potential of Aquatic Plant (Nephrolepsis Biserrata -Schott) as Feed Resource for Small Ruminant

摘要

Nephrolepis biserrata-Schott is an ever green perennial herb that is found in abundance in tropical and sub-tropical environments. Its availability throughout the year in green lush state makes it a potential fodder during the dry seasons. A study was carried out to evaluate the nutritive composition of the plant at various seasons of the year. A 2x3 x4 (stage of growth x anatomical parts x sub-seasons of the year) factorial arrangement in a completely randomized design was employed. The plant materials were harvested in the months of September, December, April and June for early dry, late dry, early rain and late rain respectively. Samples for chemical analysis were based on stage of growth and anatomical parts while the samples were assayed at each sub seasons of the year. The result obtained showed that the leaves contained more (P<0.05) dry matter and crude protein than any other portion of the plant. The stem contained more crude fibre and ash than the leaves and the leaves plus stem. The ether extract was least in the stem while the gross energy was similar in all the parts analysed. The nutrient compositions were not season dependent.