Performance of broiler chickens fed diets containing duckweed (Lemna gibba)

Abstract

SUMMARYTitan broiler chickens kept in batteries at the Universidad Agraria, Lima, were fed diets containing duckweed (Lemna gibba) in proportions of 0, 10, 15 and 25%. The weight gain of broilers fed 15% duckweed was similar to that of the controls; 25% duckweed in the diet resulted in a significant decrease in feed consumption and weight gain.To determine if Titan and Arbor Acres broiler chickens could be maintained on duckweed diets under commercial conditions, birds were fed diets containing 0 and 5% duckweed. Female birds (Titan and Arbor Acres) fed diets containing 5 % duckweed showed increased final weights. The pigmentation of all birds receiving the diet containing duckweed was significantly increased.Duckweed used at levels of up to 15 % in the diets of broiler chickens could represent an important protein source for poultry feed in developing countries where soyabean meal or fish-meal are not available.

Performance of Coloured Synthetic Broiler Chicken Fed Dried Azolla as Protein Substitute

“…plant species have been observed to be a fairly cheap feedstuff for poultry and can partly substitute the conventional and expensive dietary protein sources Haustein et al, (1994). Of the various species, the cosmopolitan fern Azolla is perhaps the most promising from the point of view of ease of cultivation, productivity and nutritive value Becerra et al, (1995).…”

Effects of medium components and light on callus induction, growth, and frond regeneration in Lemna gibba (Duckweed)

“…A recent patent search has identified 78 patents. Applications include the use of duckweed and its proteins for livestock feed and food additives (Dewanji, 1993;Rokonuddin et al, 1993;Haustein et al, 1994), the use of duckweed for wastewater cleanup and for integrated wastewater-aquacuhure systems (Oron et al, 1988;Cui et al, 1994), and isolation of useful secondary metabolites synthesized by duckweeds, including a steroid that induces flowering (Kaihara and Takimoto, 1991), an algicide (Crombie and Heavers, 1992), and compounds with pharmacological activity (Mesmar and Abussaud, 1991). Duckweeds are quite sensitive to environmental pollutants and are used as bioindicator species (Hoist and Ellwanger, 1982;ASTM, 1991;Jenner and Janssen-Mommen, 1993).…”

The Capacity of Duckweed to Treat Wastewater

“…The use of duckweed species has been advocated because they have rapid growth rates (Hillman, 1961; Landolt, 1986) and achieve high levels of nutrient removal (Sutton and Ornes, 1975; Reddy and De Busk, 1985; Alaerts et al, 1996). In addition, low fiber and high protein contents (Landolt, 1986; Oron et al, 1986; Hammouda et al, 1995) of duckweed make it a valuable fodder (Culley and Epps, 1973; Skillicorn et al, 1993; Haustein et al, 1994). Furthermore, duckweed can easily be harvested, is comparatively cold tolerant (Landolt, 1986), and appears to suppress algal growth (Hammouda et al, 1995).…”