Composition of Indian aquatic plants in relation to utilization as animal forage

Dry matter values of 30 species of aquatic plants ranged from 4 to 16%, with 29 species having more than 10% crude protein. Aquatic plants had lower fibre and higher fat and ash contents when compared to dry terrestrial roughages commonly used as animal feed. Eighteen plants had ash values below 15%. Alkaloids, nitrates and polyphenol contents were determined. When compared to conventional animal forages, twelve aquatic plants appear to have potential for utilization as a forage.