Freshwater Macrophytes: A Potential Source of Minerals and Fatty Acids for Fish, Poultry, and Livestock

Abstract

The freshwater macrophytes are abundant in tropical and subtropical climates. These macrophytes may be used as feed ingredients for fish and other animals. The nutritional value of twelve freshwater-cultured macrophytes was evaluated in the present study. Significantly higher crude protein (36.94–36.65%) and lipid (8.13–7.62%) were found in Lemna minor and Spirodela polyrhiza; ash content was significantly higher in Hydrilla verticillata, Wolffia globosa, and Pistia stratiotes (20.69–21.00%) compared with others. The highest levels of sodium, magnesium, chromium, and iron levels were recorded in P. stratiotes. H. verticillata was a rich source of copper, manganese, cobalt, and zinc; the contents of calcium, magnesium, strontium, and nickel were highest in S. polyrhiza. Selenium and potassium contents were higher in Salvinia natans and W. globosa, respectively. The n-6 and n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) contents were significantly higher in W. globosa and Ipomoea aquatica, respectively compared with others. Linoleic and α-linolenic acids were dominant n-6 and n-3 PUFAs. The highest value (4.04) of n-3/n-6 was found in I. aquatica. The ratio ranged from 0.61 to 2.46 in other macrophytes. This study reveals that macrophytes are rich sources of minerals, n-6 and n-3 PUFAs.

Towards understanding the prospects of select macrophytes as potential fish feed

“…Among SFAs, palmitic acid was the dominant one in all the macrophytes and highest content was found in T. natans (37.34%) followed by A. cristata (36.38%). Palmitic acid was also reported as dominant SFA by Kumar et al (2022). Among the assayed macrophytes, MUFAs were highest in Azolla cristata while as in Ceratophyllum demersum and Nelumbo nucifera none of the MUFAs were determined.…”

“…Scientists are therefore eying on macrophytes as the studies carried out in this line are showing early positive indications (Kumar et al, 2022;Haroon, 2020). Macrophytes are good choices as these have the ability to produce huge amount of biomass within a small span and have a promising biochemical pro le.…”

“…The protein derived from macrophytes could be used for monogastric animals or even human beings. Macrophytes are enriched with protein (11-32%), lipid (3-16.8%) in naturally grown macrophytes (Naseem et al, 2020), and up to 37% protein and 21% ash in cultivated macrophytes (Kumar et al, 2022). Aquatic plants possess a good range of amino acids, vitamins (Showqi et al, 2017), minerals and fatty acids (Haroon, 2020).…”

“…However, all the aquatic plants are not appropriate to be used as a source of food as they vary usually in their biochemical composition which depends upon part of plant used, species, location and season (Haroon, 2020). The assessment of proximate and mineral composition of macrophytes is vital for their preference as potent diet components for sh, poultry and livestock (Kumar et al, 2022). Therefore, study of biochemical composition of macrophytes is of importance so as to assay their potential as aquafeed ingredient.…”

Evaluating the impact of pH on the growth and nutritional profile of Lemna minor L. (a sustainable alternative for Pakistan’s feed sector)

“…The minimum concentration, 26 mg/100g dw, of Mg was seen in plants grown at pH 4. Generally, the Mg concentration ranges between 20-30mg/100 g dw, in the species of Lemna including Lemna minor [29].…”