Nutritional evaluation of Typha domingensis L. as an alternative livestock fodder

Abstract

Typha domingensis is an invasive aquatic weed species dominating floodplains/wetlands, grazing and farmlands in the savannah zones of Nigeria, particularly in states like Jigawa, Kano and Yobe. This affects agricultural activities which threatens socio-economic developments in the region. Plants serve as a major source of food for both human as well as other animals. In this study, the nutritional value of this aquatic weed was assessed for use as an alternative fodder in relation to some common livestock fodder. Seedlings of Typha domingensis were collected from a harvested plot of Typha invaded area. Samples were air dried and then ground for determination of macro-elements and proximate composition using standard procedures. Results on the proximate composition revealed 80.01% moisture content, 11.68% ash content, 2.90% crude protein, 8.30% crude lipid and 6.90% crude fiber. The percentage of macronutrients determined which include Ca, Mg, K, Na, P, S and Cl were 0.93, 0.36, 0.12, 0.02, 0.11, 0.01 and 0.04 respectively. From the values obtained, the proximate composition of T. domingensis was relatively low, although the moisture and ash content were comparable to some fodder species. However, other important criterion such as crude protein; crude fiber and nearly all the macro-nutrients have low concentration. Hence T. domingensis is considered to have low nutritional value and cannot be  effectively used as an alternative of fodder/forage in the affected areas.