Weeds in pastures have long been considered detrimental to livestock productivity, whether directly or indirectly. Typically, pasture weeds are unpalatable, woody, and/or toxic plants. Legetan is one such example. Known scientifically as Synedrella nodiflora, it goes by various local names, including Babadotan Lalaki, jukut berak kambing, jukut gendreng, bruwan, gletang warak, krasuk, serunen, and gofumakeang.
However, according to Prof. Ir. Bambang Suwignyo, S.Pt., MP., Ph.D., IPM., ASEAN Eng., a lecturer at the UGM Faculty of Animal Science, legetan is a beneficial weed for livestock feed because of its high nutritional value.
“Legetan contains 20 percent crude protein,” Bambang stated on Tuesday (28/5).
Bambang explained that legetan is a weed capable of thriving even in shaded areas. It also regrows after being cut without any decline in nutritional quality. Furthermore, it can serve as a feed source to boost the fertility of various livestock, including rabbits, small ruminants (goats and sheep), and large ruminants (buffalo and cattle).
“Fresh biomass production can reach 15 tons per hectare, and it can be harvested again one month after cutting, resulting in the same amount,” he elaborated.
Bambang further noted that Synedrella nodiflora L. originated in tropical America and has become a common weed on the island of Java, particularly in somewhat sheltered locations.
- nodiflora grows in tropical and subtropical habitats; wherever there is sufficient soil moisture for germination, the seeds sprout and grow rapidly, flowering and producing new seeds. While the plant is capable of growing in full sunlight, the species thrives best in areas with dappled light or light gaps. “Legetan can grow at altitudes of up to 1.200 meters above sea level in Indonesia. The plant propagates solely by seed; a single plant is sometimes capable of producing more than 6.000 seeds,” he concluded.
Original article: https://fapet.ugm.ac.id/legetan-gulma-potensi-pakan-ternak-bernutrisi-tinggi/
Translated by: Sarah Suminar