PJB-2019-904
Evaluation of the nutrient status and forage quality of the hippo grass (Vossia cuspidata (Roxb.) Griff.) in the Egyptian watercourses
Tarek M. Galal
Abstract
The present study investigating the potentiality of the hippo grass to sequester inorganic and organic nutrients in its biomass, in addition to its nutritive value in the Egyptian watercourses. Six polluted and two unpolluted sites were selected for seasonal plant, water and sediment investigations. The nutrients and nutritive value of the plant tissues were estimated. The highest above-ground biomass was recorded during summer, while the lowest was in winter. The plant accumulated the highest contents of Na, K, N and Mg during winter, while P and Ca during spring and autumn, respectively. In addition, Na, K and P had higher concentrations in the below-ground, while N, Ca and Mg in the above-ground organs. The above-ground parts had the highest values of ether extract during summer, crude fibers during spring, and total proteins during winter. The below-ground tissues had the highest values of digestible, metabolized and net energy during winter, while the above-ground shoots had the highest values of digestible crude protein during winter and gross energy during spring. The nutritive values of the above-ground shoots of the hippo grass lie within the range of nutritive value of sheep, goat, dairy cattle and beef cattle. In addition, this plant can sequester large amounts of nutrients in its tissues compared with other similar grasses.
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