Salvinia (Salvinia molesta)

IMPORTANT INFORMATION: This datasheet is pending revision and updating; its contents are currently derived from FAO's Animal Feed Resources Information System (1991-2002) and from Bo Göhl's Tropical Feeds (1976-1982).

Datasheet

Description

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Species

Salvinia molesta D. S. Mitch. [Salviniaceae]

Related feed(s)

Description

Salvinia molesta, a free-floating aquatic fern, has become a serious pest in the inland waters of many tropical countries. The annual productivity is assumed to be up to 110 t DM per ha.

Distribution

Originally a native of S America, it is now widespread and infestation is reported in Sri Lanka, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Zaire, Botswana, India, Austalia, Kenya, Indonesia and Thailand.

Processes

Due to its high moisture content and consequent bulkiness, it is cumbersome to utilize Salvinia molesta in fresh form. Depending on the climatic conditions in many tropical countries, it is quite practicable to dry the plants in the sun.

Environmental impact

Invasive plant.

Nutritional aspects

Potential constraints

However, its high lignin content and the presence of tannins may be limiting factors for its use. So far, no evidence of toxic amounts of harmful substances in Salvinia has been found.

Ruminants

In its chemical composition, Salvinia shows a nutritional value comparable in certain respects to that of a quality forage for ruminants.

Nutritional tables

Tables of chemical composition and nutritional value

Salvinia (Salvinia molesta), whole plant, fresh

Avg: average or predicted value; SD: standard deviation; Min: minimum value; Max: maximum value; Nb: number of values (samples) used