Abstract
Maize varieties BH540, BH660, BH661, and MVFG (unknown variety as local check) were evaluated at low (5.6 kg m-2), medium (7.6 kg m-2), and high (9.6 kg m-2) seed rate for hydroponic fodder productivity. A 3 ? 4m wide and 3 m height low-cost plastic house made of translucent plastic and a plastic trays made by bisecting a 25 liter capacity plastic oil container into two equal parts were used for growing the hydroponic fodder. The bottoms of the trays were drilled to open holes to drain excess water during irrigation and placed on shelves.The BH661 exhibited significantly (p<0.01) higher dry fodder yield (6.63 kg) per square meter and per kg seed than the other varieties. Among the seed rates, the high seed rate has a higher (P< 0.01) Dry Mater (DM) fodder yield, but the medium and low seed rates had greater DM fodder conversion efficiency and lower cost per kg DM fodder production. Water use efficiency was lower for BH540 (64 kg DM fodder per cubic meter water) as compared to the other varieties that had similar values (90 to 95kg DM fodder per cubic meter water). Medium and high seed rates exhibited similar water use efficiency, and it is higher than the low seed rate. Therefore, the use of BH661 variety at medium seeding rate is recommended for maize hydroponic fodder production.
Highlights
According to the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA, 2018), improved forage covers only 0.32% of the total feed resources under the smallholder production system
Some other authors noted that it is the ultimate animal performance relative to the alternative costs that determine the profitability and usefulness of hydroponic fodder (Muela et al, 2005). Such dialogue exists among authors, hydroponic fodder production technology was introduced in some parts of Ethiopia without any preliminary study
The fresh and dry fodder yield increased with increasing seed rate
Summary
According to the Central Statistical Agency of Ethiopia (CSA, 2018), improved forage covers only 0.32% of the total feed resources under the smallholder production system. Sneath and McIntosh (2003) and Dung et al (2005) argued that profitable use of sprouting grain as a feed source for commercial cattle production to appear unlikely due to a reduction in dry matter (DM) weight and increase in cost as a result of sprouting. Some other authors noted that it is the ultimate animal performance relative to the alternative costs that determine the profitability and usefulness of hydroponic fodder (Muela et al, 2005). Such dialogue exists among authors, hydroponic fodder production technology was introduced in some parts of Ethiopia without any preliminary study
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