AWARENESS AND UTILIZATION OF DUCK WEED (LEMNA SPP) AS POTENTIAL FEED FOR LIVESTOCK

Abstract

Availability of feed and feedstuff for livestock is a perennial challenge to livestock productivity in Nigeria. Similarly, the high cost and competition between Man and animals for conventional feed ingredients necessitated the search for alternative feed resources. Therefore, this study was conducted to access the potential of lemna plant (Duckweed) and the perception of fish pond owners in Ibadan /Ibarapa zone of Oyo state. A structured questionnaire was administered to elicit information on socioeconomic characteristics of fish pond with overgrowth of lemna plant on the fish pond. The study revealed that 93.75% of all the ponds visited have lemna growing in them. 81.25% of farmers were using earthen and concrete ponds, 100% of the pond owners regarded lemna as a nuisance. 56.25% disagree that lemna can be used as feed for livestock, while 43.75% agree. 100% of respondents affirmed they have never used lemna plant to feed livestock. It was concluded that Lemna plant is  available in virtually all ponds in Ibadan /Ibarapa zone of Oyo state and can be used as a good source of supplement for fish and livestock feed during the dry season.