Incorporation of different levels of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes) in the concentrate part of growing sheep ration

Nine growing sheep were used in 3X3 Latin Square Design and replicated thrice giving 20 days each to study their response on inclusion of Water hyacinth at 0, 15 and 30% with concentrate mixture. Each growing sheep received a fixed quantity of concentrate mixture and sorghum stover ad lib. according to their body weight. Incorporation of Water hyacinth in the concentrate part of growing sheep had non-significant influence on the digestibility of DM, OM, CP, CF, EE & NFE. The mean daily DM intake (9/head) as percent of body weight or metabolic body size (g/kg W0.75) or as total DMI kg/animal/day remained identical under the three test diets. The body weight gain was significantly lower in 30% Water hyacinth group as compared to 15% and 0% Water hyacinth group. However, the differences in body weight gain between 0 and 15% Water hyacinth group were non-significant. On the basis of body weight gain it can be stated that Water hyacinth can be incorporated upto 30% level with non-detrimental effect, but economically incorporated upto 15% level.