Utilizing Water Hyacinth as Cost-Effective Livestock Feed: A Study on Nutritional Impact in Doyogena Sheep and Woyto-Guji Goats

A recent study by Fanta, et al. (2024) titled “Nutritional response to water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) challenges via blood biochemical profiles in goats and sheep” published in Heliyon examines that substituting water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for commercial concentrate had no adverse effects on the serum biochemical profiles of Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats.

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Water hyacinth can replace up to 75% of commercial concentrate in sheep and goat diets without adverse effects.– Fanta, et al. 2024

The research focused on evaluating the effects of incorporating varying levels of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) into the diets of Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats on their blood biochemical profiles. To achieve this, a 2×4 randomized crossover design was employed, involving a total of 24 animals. These animals were divided into four dietary treatment groups, with each group receiving a different proportion of water hyacinth as a substitute for commercial concentrate feed. The substitution levels were set at 0%, 25%, 50%, and 75%, allowing for a comparative analysis of the effects of increasing the inclusion rate of water hyacinth. The findings revealed significant differences in certain blood biochemical parameters between sheep and goats, indicating species-specific responses to dietary changes. However, the inclusion of water hyacinth in the diets did not result in any adverse effects on the serum biochemical profiles of either species. This suggests that water hyacinth, despite being an unconventional feed source, can be safely used as a partial replacement for commercial concentrates.

How the study was conducted

The authors employed a 2×4 randomized crossover design with two species (Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats), four diets (0%, 25%, 50%, and 75% water hyacinth), and four phases (15-day adaptation plus 7-day experimental diets). 24 animals (12 sheep and 12 goats) were used. They were housed individually, fed twice daily, and had access to water and mineralized salt licks. The authors collected blood samples on the last day of each experimental period for serum biochemical analysis. Data were analyzed using SAS software (PROC GLM), and Pearson’s correlation coefficient was computed for serum biochemical indices.

What the authors found

The authors found that substituting water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) for commercial concentrate had no adverse effects on the serum biochemical profiles of Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats. The authors also found that significant differences were observed between sheep and goats in certain serum biochemical parameters, such as AST, ALP, GLB, and AST/ALT. In addition, positive correlations were found between ALT and AST, TP and ALB, and A/G and ALB in sheep, and between AST/ALT with ALT and AST, and ALB with TP and A/G in goats. Furthermore, water hyacinth can replace up to 75% of commercial concentrate in the diets of sheep and goats without affecting their metabolic, protein, or energy profiles.

Why is this important?

Cost-Effective Feed: Water hyacinth is an abundant and inexpensive resource. Using it as a feed alternative can significantly reduce the cost of livestock production, especially in regions where commercial feed is expensive or scarce.
Environmental Management: Water hyacinth is often considered a problematic invasive species. Utilizing it as animal feed helps manage its overgrowth, contributing to better environmental control.
Nutritional Value: The study shows that water hyacinth can replace up to 75% of commercial concentrate without negatively impacting the health of sheep and goats. This indicates its potential as a nutritious feed source.
Sustainable Agriculture: Incorporating water hyacinth into livestock diets promotes sustainable agricultural practices by recycling a natural resource and reducing reliance on commercial feeds.
Species-Specific Insights: The study provides valuable insights into the biochemical differences between sheep and goats, which can inform more tailored and effective feeding strategies for different livestock species.

What the authors recommended

• The authors suggest that water hyacinth can be included in the diets of Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats up to 75% without any adverse effects on their health. This can be a cost-effective alternative to commercial concentrates.
• The authors recommend conducting further studies to explore the long-term effects of water hyacinth on different breeds and under various environmental conditions to validate its broader applicability.
• Utilizing water hyacinth as animal feed can help manage its overgrowth in water bodies, thus contributing to environmental conservation efforts.

In conclusion, the study by Fanta et al. (2024) demonstrates that water hyacinth, often considered an invasive species, can be effectively repurposed as a cost-efficient and sustainable feed alternative for Doyogena sheep and Woyto-Guji goats. The findings reveal that incorporating water hyacinth into livestock diets, even up to 75%, does not adversely affect the animals’ serum biochemical profiles, indicating its potential as a viable substitute for commercial concentrates. This not only offers a practical solution for reducing feed costs but also contributes to environmental conservation by managing water hyacinth overgrowth. Future research is encouraged to explore the long-term impacts across various breeds and conditions, further validating water hyacinth’s role in sustainable agriculture.