Implementation of a hydroponic system to produce Oryza sativa as fodder with potential in animal feed

Abstract

One of the alternatives for the optimization of livestock systems is the implementation of technologies such as the production of silage, hays, and hydroponic green fodder (FVH). This study sought to implement a hydroponic system to produce FVH of rice (O. Sativa), unconventional grass for animal feed, in conditions of low temperature and high humidity, varying between 17 °C y 24 °C y 60 % y 80 %, respectively. The agronomic evaluation had a duration of 38 days for the main crop (CP) and 21 days for the soca (CS). The seeds used were watered manually, applying fertilizers from day 21 post-sowing; besides, were selected, disinfected, and subjected to pre-germination. A quantitative descriptive analysis was carried out, linear regression models were used. The variables evaluated in CP and CS were total height (cm), stem height (cm), main leaf length (cm), leaf/stem relation and quantity of leaf/seedling. The constant growth of the seedlings was observed until day 26 post-sowing; then, it was found that the growth in height was minimum. Regarding CS, regrowth was found in some scattered areas of the root mat, reaching a height lower than that recorded in the CP, where premature death of seedlings was evidenced. Could be concluded, finally, that in the environmental conditions of the experiment biomass and height yield is low; nevertheless, the nutritional composition of O. sativa indicates that the implementation of hydroponics allows proposing the production of FVH from this grass as a promising alternative in animal feed.