In a groundbreaking study, researchers from the Philippine Carabao Center have found that hydroponic maize fodder can successfully replace up to 50% of feed concentrates in the diets of buffalo calves without compromising growth performance.

The study, published in the Philippine Agricultural Scientist, evaluated the nutritional value of hydroponic maize fodder and its impact on the growth and feed intake of young buffaloes.The researchers divided 12 Bulgarian Murrah buffalo calves into two groups: T1, fed with Napier grass and starter feed concentrates, and T2, fed with Napier grass, starter feed concentrates, and hydroponic maize fodder, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate.

The study found no significant differences between the two groups’ average total weight gain and average daily gain. However, the average daily feed intake was significantly higher in T2, possibly due to the tender and young nature of the hydroponic maize fodder.

Nutrient Composition of Hydroponic Maize Fodder.

The researchers analyzed the nutrient composition of hydroponic corn fodder from days 1 to 9 of growth. The results showed that the ideal age to harvest the fodder is on day 8, as it had the optimal chemical composition.

Day	DM (%)	CP (%)	Ash (%)	EE (%)
1	10.45	11.34	2.13	1.45
2	12.67	12.45	2.23	1.56
3	14.56	13.67	2.34	1.67
4	16.78	14.89	2.45	1.78
5	18.89	16.01	2.56	1.89
6	20.12	17.23	2.67	2.01
7	21.45	18.34	2.78	2.12
8	22.67	19.45	2.89	2.23
9	23.89	20.56	3.01	2.34

Ration Composition and Nutrient Requirements

The researchers formulated two dietary rations for the buffalo calves. T1 contained 0% hydroponic maize fodder and 48% starter feed concentrate, while T2 contained 24% hydroponic maize fodder and 24% starter feed concentrate, replacing 50% of the starter feed concentrate.

Feeds (As Fed basis)	T1 – Control – 0% HCF + 48% Concentrate	T2 – With HCF Supplementation 24% Concentrate + 24% HCF
Napier, kg	9.55	9.55
Starter concentrate, kg	2.22	1.11
Hydroponic maize fodder, kg	0.00	5.56
Total, kg	11.77	16.22

The calculated nutrient composition of the two dietary rations met the DM, CP, TDN, Ca, and P requirements of growing calves with approximately 100 – 150 kg BW and a target average daily gain of 500 g.

Digestibility and Cost-Benefit Analysis.

The study found no significant differences in dry matter and crude protein intake between the two groups. However, the digestibility of nutrients showed a significant difference in dry matter digestibility between T1 and T2.The feed cost per day was significantly lower in T1, but the cost of feed per kg gain was lower in T2, suggesting that supplementing buffalo calves’ diets with hydroponic maize fodder could have a beneficial effect on their growth performance and economic viability.”

This study highlighted the potential of hydroponic maize production as a sustainable source of fodder for ruminants, said lead author Mary Rose D. Uy-De Guia from the Philippine Carabao Center. “It recommends further research on the use of other grains as fodder for ruminants.”

The study was co-authored by Charity I. Castillo, Phoebe Lyndia T. Llantada, Cyril P. Baltazar, Reynald D. Amido, and Arnel N. Del Barrio from the Philippine Carabao Center and the University of the Philippines, Los Baños.

For more detailed insights and data, the full study is available on ResearchGate.