HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS		QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced] Author: Keyword(s): Year:  Vol:  Page:

This Article Full Text (PDF) Alert me when this article is cited Alert me if a correction is posted Services Similar articles in this journal Alert me to new issues of the journal Download to citation manager Citing Articles Citing Articles via Google Scholar Google Scholar Articles by Linn, J. G. Articles by Otterby, D. E. Search for Related Content PubMed Articles by Linn, J. G. Articles by Otterby, D. E.

Nutritive Value of Dried or Ensiled Aquatic Plants. I. Chemical Composition¹

University of Minnesota, St. Paul 55108

Abstract

Chemical analyses of 21 species of dried aquatic plants indicated that they contain sufficient quantities of nutrients to be considered as livestock feedstuffs. Although considerable variation existed among the 21 species, 14 species contained more than 10% protein and all species contained less than 30% crude fiber. Calcium and phosphorus contents averaged 1.62% and .27%, respectively. Neutral detergent and acid detergent fiber contents of the 21 species averaged 42.3% and 32.6%, respectively.

Mixed aquatic plant species (approximately 50% Myriophyllus, 30% Ceratophyllum, 10% Potamogeton, 5% Vallisneria and 5% unknown) were ensiled with organic acids (acetic, formic, propionic), corn or alfalfa. After 47 days of fermentation the silages had pH values above 4.5 and lactic acid values below .4% of the dry matter. Alfalfa silage ensiled with the same treatments had pH values below 4.1 and lactic acid values above .6% of the dry matter. Ensiling mixtures of aquatic plants and alfalfa resulted in silages with similar characteristics as the aquatic plant silages. Addition of alfalfa to sterilized aquatic plants at ensiling resulted in a silage of similar composition as the alfalfa silages.

¹ Paper No. 8823 of the Scientific Journal Series of the Minnesota Agricultural Experiment Station.

² Department of Animal Science.

³ Department of Pharmacognosy.