Utilization of water hyacinth (Elechhornia crassipes) by goats

Nine growing goats were used in 3x3 Latin Square design and replicated thrice giving 25 days each to study their response on inclusion of water hyacinth at 0, 15 and 30 percent in dry and powder form with concentrate mixture. The animals were fed chaffed sorghum stover ad lib. alongwith concentrate mixture as per NRC (1981) requirement. The DM and CF digestibility coefficients of 15 percent water hyacinth group was significantly higher than control and 30 percent water hyacinth group. Incorporation of water hyacinth with concentrate mixture had no significant influence on CP, EE and NFE digestibility. The differences between treatment with respect to intake of DM, TDN and DCP were non-significant. A relationship between nitrogen balance, daily gain in weight and voluntary intake of dry matter was observed. The differences with respect to body weight gain between treatments were nonsignificant. Considering the cost for 100 g of body weight gain in goats the rations with 15 and 30 percent water hyacinth were economical as compared to control ration.