03/07/2020
MADRE DE AGUA π±πΏπ±
WHAT IS TRICHANTERA GIGANTEA(madre de agua)?
Trichantera gigantea, a fodder tree, also known as Nacedero or Madre de Agua. It was introduced into the country some years ago from Latin America (Columbia and Venezuela) and adapts well in local tropical conditions.
It can be planted to a wide range of soil types and elevations up to 1800 meters above sea level. It can be planted at low density at 6,700 cuttings per hectare. It grows well easily between plantation crops and produces 40-60 tons per hectare.
WHAT IS THE NUTRIENT CONTENT OF TRICHANTERA GIGANTEA?
The leaves of trichantera,is a potential source of protein, varying from 18-22 in dry matter form and apparently most of this protein are true protein and has a good amino acid balance (Rosales,et.al, 1989). It has 2.8% Crude Fat, 13.4% Crude, Fiber,19.7% Ash, and 37.0% NFE.
HOW IS TRICHANTERA GIGANTEA PROPAGATED?
Propagation may be done through cuttings. The cuttings measuring 6-8 inches with 2 nodes are ideal as planting materials.
Cuttings can be grown in a plastic bag ( 10 inches x 6 inches) and allowed to grow in three (3) months before it can be transplanted to the field. However, it can be directly planted to the prepared field.
HOW IS IT FED TO RABBITS
Young leaves can be offered to the Rabbits in fresh form. It can also be processed into leaf meal and use of ingredients in mash.
CAN IT BE GIVEN TO OTHER ANIMALS ASIDE FROM RABBITS?
Yes. It can be mixed to poultry diets (ducks, hens, quails, pigs, and even to large (cattle and carabaos) and small ruminants (sheep and goats) feeds.
WHAT ARE THE ECONOMIC BENEFITS WHICH CAN BE OBTAINED FROM SUBSTITUTING TRICHANTERA LEAVES TO COMMERCIAL RATION?
Partial replacement of mixed feeds with Trichantera gigantea give almost the same results in terms of weight gain, meat quality and income with those rabbits given sole mixed feeds.
π