Content and potential of rice straw as a mineral source of zinc in ruminant feed

Abstract

Zinc is essential for growth and cell division (mitosis and meiosis), sperm production, embryo development, and pregnancy. This study aims to determine the Zinc content of three rice varieties and their potential as ruminant feed. The research was done in Central Lampung in June 2020. The experiment used a randomized block design with three varieties and three replications. Each variety (Inpari IR Nutrizinc, Ciherang, Inpari 32) was planted in 50 m2. The variables are plant height (cm), stump height (cm), straw height (cm), straw weight and grain (kg), straw weight/50 m2 (kg), straw weight/ha (kg) and the Zn content in straw. The data obtained were analyzed using the R statistic. The result did not significant differences in all variables. However, Inpari 32 has the highest average plant height, stump height, straw height, and grain weight, while Inpari IR Nutrizinc has the highest average straw weight/ha (7,970.67 ± 1,135.84 kg). The zinc content of Inpari IR Nutrizinc was also the highest at 49.85 ppm/10 g, followed by Inpari 32 (35.40 ppm/10 g), and the lowest was Ciherang (34.08 ppm/10 g). In conclusion, rice straw of Inpari IR Nutrizinc has the potential to be used as a ruminant feed.