Biomass Yield, Proximate, Fibre, Minerals, and Amino Acids Compositions of Cereal-Based Hydroponic Fodder

Background and Objective: Hydroponic fodder production is gaining attention as a sustainable method of improving forage availability and quality for livestock, hence, the objective of this study was to evaluate the yield and nutritive value of cereal-based hydroponic fodder. Materials and Methods: Four cereal crops (maize, wheat, sorghum, and millet) were evaluated for biomass yield, proximate composition, fiber fractions, mineral content, metabolizable energy, in vitro Organic Matter Digestibility (IVOMD), and amino acid profiles under a hydroponic fodder system at the University of Ibadan, Oyo, Nigeria. Statistical differences among data collected were evaluated using SPSS at a 5% level of significance. Results: It showed significant variations in biomass yield, with millet producing the highest fresh biomass and dry matter yields (137.25 and 109.02 ton/ha, respectively), followed by wheat, maize, and sorghum. Proximate and fibre analysis revealed that crude protein and fibre contents were highest in wheat fodder. Metabolizable energy and IVOMD results highlighted the hydroponic fodders’ high digestibility and potential energy availability, with millet ranking highest. Mineral analysis indicated that calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, manganese, and zinc levels were highest in wheat. Amino acid profiling demonstrated that wheat and millet had superior essential amino acid concentrations, particularly lysine and methionine. Conclusion: These findings suggested that hydroponic production enhances forage quality, making it a viable alternative for improving livestock nutrition and productivity.