Providing High Quality Forages with Hydroponic Fodder System

Abstract

Abstract Hydroponic fodder is an alternative technology to provide the sustainability of high-quality forage for ruminant. Hydroponic sprout contains grass juice which is essential to increase the ruminant performance because the grass juice from hydroponic can contribute to the enhancement of microbial activity. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of harvesting time toward fodder production and nutrient content of hydroponic maize fodder. This study used maize seed and hypochlorite solution for a disinfectant agent. The method used in this study was a completely randomized design (CRD) with 5 treatments. The treatments used was the difference of harvesting time, P1 = 8 days, P2 = 12 days, P3 = 16 days, P4 = 20 days, P5 = 24 days. Variables measured were % germination, growth (plant height), forage production, and nutrient content (dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, and crude fiber). The results showed that the harvesting time is a highly significant effect (P <0.01) on plant height, forage production, and nutrient content. Based on research, hydroponic maize fodder has an advantage as a source of quality forage for livestock because it has a high protein. The crude protein contains on P1 with 12,36 %, P2 = 14,91%, P3 = 17,11%, P4 18,43% and P5 = 17,58 %. The conclusion is the 20 th day of harvesting time has good quality and production as an alternative animal forage.