A Study on Nutritional Potential of Aquatic Plants

Abstract

A study was conducted to evaluate nutritional potential of three local aquatic plants, Nymphaea alba-water lilly (Bum), Nymphoides peltata (khor) and Hydrilla species (Khel) which grow abundantly in the Dal and other lakes and water bodies of Kashmir. Proximate analysis revealed that all the three plants had dry matter below 10%. Crude protein content of Hydrilla, Nymphaea and Nymphoides was 17.10%, 20.28% and 21.87% respectively. Ether extract level of Hydrilla (2.79%), Nymphaea (1.5%) and Nymphoides (3.5%) was also estimated. Ash content varied from 8% in Nymphaea to 19.45% in Hydrilla. Calcium content was 1.29%, 1.10% and 1.56% in Hydrilla, Nymphae and Nymphoides respectively. Fiber content was lowest (13.34%) in Hydrilla and highest (21%) in Nymphoides. Animals fed with aquatic plants (Group A) produced about 3 litres more milk per day per animal than straw fed (Group C) animals. There was however no significant difference in daily milk yield of Group A and Berseem fed (group B) animals.