What is Salvinia? • Floating aquatic plant • Scientific name: Salvinia spp. • No true roots • Relatively fast growth • Used as a supplementary green fodder for ruminants Approximate nutritional value (dry matter) Depends on water and drying • Crude protein: 15–22% • Crude fiber: 18–25% • Fat: 2–3% • Energy: Medium • Minerals: Calcium – Magnesium – Iron ✔ This composition makes it suitable for ruminants ❌ But it is not enough on its own for fattening or milk Is Salvinia suitable for goats and sheep? Yes, provided: • It is used as a supplement • Its proportion does not exceed • It is prepared correctly Best way to use ✅ 1 Preparation • Collect it from clean, non-stagnant, unpolluted water • Wash it well • Drying: • Sun for 1–2 days (semi-dry) • Or fully dry then chop Drying reduces bacteria and parasites and improves digestion Recommended proportion in the ration • 🔹 15–25% ideal proportion • 🔺 Maximum: 30% • 🔻 Less than 10% its effect is weak Benefits of Salvinia for goats and sheep ✅ Helps regulate rumination ✅ Reduces feed cost ✅ Good source of fiber ✅ Does not cause bloat if used in moderation ✅ Suitable for maintenance and large flocks When is it not a good option? ❌ For rapid fattening ❌ With low-energy diets ❌ If fed fresh in large quantities ❌ For very young animals (early weaning) Best mixtures with it • Alfalfa / good hay • Barley + corn • Bran • Mineral salts + salt Example of a balanced mixture: • 20% Salvinia • 30% Alfalfa • 25% Barley • 20% Corn • 5% Bran and minerals