Effect of different substrates on the productivity and chemical composition of hydroponic barley fodder

Abstract

The limited availability of permanent forage and the scarce use of substrates in the region motivated the evaluation of the effects of barley, wheat, and oat straw on hydroponic green barley forage (HGF) regarding its productive parameters and chemical composition. The study was conducted at the guinea pig experimental center of the Professional School of Animal Science under greenhouse conditions with controlled temperature and humidity. The results showed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of the substrates on root, shoot, and biomass production, with barley straw producing the highest root and biomass yields, whereas shoot production was similar among substrates. No significant differences (p > 0.05) were observed in plant height or root length. Regarding chemical composition, significant effects (p < 0.05) were found on root dry matter, organic matter, inorganic matter, crude protein, and neutral detergent fiber (NDF), as well as on shoot organic and inorganic matter. However, no significant effects were detected for shoot dry matter, crude protein, or NDF. The control treatment (water only) exhibited higher chemical composition values than the substrate treatments, except for root organic matter and shoot and root inorganic matter. It is concluded that the substrates selectively influence the productivity and nutritional quality of hydroponic green barley forage.