This research was carried out to evaluate the quality of the roughage produced by hydroponics. Rice hulls and chopped elephantgrass were used as substrates for corn cultivation, put on plastic canvas. Corn seeding density was 2.5 kg of seed/m². A randomized experimental design was used, with seven replications. Plot utile area measured 0.5 m x 0.5 m. Fertiirrigation was used from the 3rd to the 14th day after seeding. Harvest occurred at the 14th day and fresh forage productivity was determined. Three types of samples were taken: complete forage (shoot + root + substratum), substratum + roots, and shoot only. The following response variables were determined: DM concentration, CP, NDF, ADF, and ash. The rice hulls substratum resulted in higher DM production, NDF, ADF and ash concentration, while the chopped elephantgrass promoted greater CP concentration, although with low DM concentration. The CP presented inverse relationship with DM concentration and its components: NDF, ADF and ash.
ADF; alternative food; DM; CP; NDF; ruminant
