Utilisation of Water Hyacinth as Animal Feed

Abstract

Water hyacinth has now spread to all tropical and subtropical countries and is regarded as one of the world’s most invasive aquatic plants. Water hyacinth (WH) is also known to have significant ecological and socio-economic effects. Water hyacinth control methods fall into three main categories: physical, chemical and biological. Its use as a livestock feed is considered as one of the more effective physical control methods. A high protein content, especially in leaves and rapid growth, has made WH interesting for use as fodder to cows, goats, pigs, ducks and tilapia fingerlings.