Biomass production and nutritive value of different hydroponic fodder species and their effects on growth performance on rabbits

Abstract

Abstract: This study, conducted at Khulna University, Bangladesh, from January to April 2023, aimed to assess the biomass yield of hydroponically cultivated fodder and its influence on rabbit growth. A Completely Randomized Design (CRD) was employed with four treatments: control (T1), maize hydroponic fodder (T2), wheat hydroponic fodder (T3), and jumbo hydroponic fodder (T4). Twelve rabbits were divided into four treatment groups, and their weekly body weights were recorded. Biomass yield and plant height of each fodder type were measured, and chemical composition was analyzed. Wheat hydroponic fodder exhibited the highest biomass yield (766±4 g) after 15 days from 250 g seeds, while maize hydroponic fodder had the lowest yield (574±14 g) from the same seed quantity. Wheat hydroponic fodder also displayed the tallest plants (15.9±0.1 cm) on the 15th day, with jumbo hydroponic fodder having the shortest (6.25±0.05 cm). In chemical analysis, wheat hydroponic fodder had the highest crude protein (18.71±0.28%), jumbo hydroponic fodder had the highest crude fiber (21.65±0.55%), and jumbo hydroponic fodder contained the most ether extract (3.74±0.07%). Maize hydroponic fodder had the highest nitrogen-free extract (78.58±0.18%).Regarding rabbit growth performance, jumbo hydroponic fodder significantly outperformed other treatments, with the highest weight gain and improved feed conversion ratio (FCR). The rabbits fed jumbo hydroponic fodder (initial weight: 417±74 g, final weight: 731±61 g) exhibited the most substantial growth, while the control group (initial weight: 614±84 g, final weight: 533±59 g) showed the least growth, likely due to a lack of dietary fiber leading to digestion issues and chronic diarrhea.In conclusion, hydroponically grown jumbo fodder positively influenced rabbit growth performance within an intensive housing system. The study emphasizes the importance of dietary fiber for rabbits and recommends incorporating fibrous feeds into their diet. These findings contribute to improved rabbit husbandry practices and the potential of hydroponically grown fodder as a valuable dietary resource.