This is a fodder tree, scientifically named trichantora gigantes, which has been found as a protein-rich feed for animals, particularly swine.
Introduced in the Philippines some years back from Latin America (Colombia and Venezuela), it can be planted without fertilizer input in various types of soil and elevations up to 1,800 meters above sea level. It grows easily between plantation crops and produces 40-60 tons per hectare of fresh leaves.
How comes a study done by the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) shows that madre de agua’s young leaves can be fed to pigs in fresh form. It can also be processed into leaf meal and used for ingredients in mash.
Samples of live T. gigantes plants were exhibited during the DA-BAR-sponsored Technology Forum last May 18-19.
"Trichantera leaves can replace 20-30 percent of the commercial diet of growing-finishing pigs," BAI said. "Six kilograms of fresh leaves consumed by pigs per day is equivalent to one kg of mixed feeds saved."
The plant can also be mixed with diet of poultry, rabbits, and even large and small ruminants.
BAI concluded: "Partial replacement of mixed feeds with Trichantera gigantes gives almost the same results in terms of weight gin, meat quality, and income with these pigs given sole mixed feeds." – RAF