Duckweed as feed

[RobertBrown]

Does anyone have any experience with this plant as feed?


Duckweed is a small plant species classified as Lemnoideae. It floats on the surface of slow moving or still water. The size and shape will vary depending on the species, small ones are about the 1/2 the size of a small kernal of corn. When a pond is covered it looks like algea or scum. It's one of the fastest growing plants and after drying the plant fiber is up to 20% protein suitable as feed for pigs or chickens with many trace minerals.

It's being touted as suitable for biofuel production with 5-6 times as much starch as corn and far less impactful, perhaps a more efficient plant for ethanol production.

I have large quantities of this as of late. I began thinking of it as a pest but, although it may look rather unsightly or disgusting in some peoples eyes, I've come to see it as quite beneficial. My pond water (under the surface) is almost crystal clear and it inhibits evaporation by 30%. It also feeds the Ducks turtles and tilapia. I also see roseate spoonbills many heron species. I took this pic Monday morning on my way out the drive way.
I've been trying to think up a caption as the hen looks a little miffed and shes got the drake in the dog house.

 

[jeffreythree]

I don't know about feed, but your water is clear because the duckweed blocks light to the plankton that are usually in the water column and it inhibits wave action that helps get oxygen in the water. It could cause a dissolved oxygen crash that will kill fish. I wonder how much could be harvested, thin layer but quick growing stuff. Or the logistics of harvesting and transporting, you would almost need to have a plant surrounded by shallow lagoons to grow the stuff.

 

[charlz]

I had heard this and did some reading on it years ago. I think one of the key problems you would have in an 'open' evironment is getting a 'pure stand'. There may be other algaes etc. in your pond that are not good to feed to your animals. I have not researched that so it may not be an issue but certainly something to look into before trying it.

Use as a feedstock for biofuel is a new one, I will have to read up on that.

Also it is not just animal feed, supposedly humans can eat it as a salad type product etc.