Optimization of Hydroponic Wheat Sprouts as an Alternative Livestock Feed: Yield and Biochemical Composition Under Different Fertilization Regimes

This study investigated the effects of macronutrient type and concentration on the biomass yield and biochemical composition of hydroponically grown wheat sprouts (HWS), with the aim of identifying fertilization strategies that optimize both productivity and feed quality. HWS were cultivated using a nutrient film technique over a 7-day period under controlled environmental conditions, with treatments including calcium nitrate (CN1-CN3), potassium phosphate (CP1-CP3), potassium sulfate (CK1-CK2), and a balanced NPK 20-20-20 fertilizer (NPK1-NPK3), each applied at three increasing concentrations. The quantitative parameters assessed included biomass yield per unit of dry seed (DP, kg kg^-1) and dry matter content (DM, %), while qualitative traits included crude protein (CP), ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF), and ash content. Results indicated that balanced NPK fertilization significantly enhanced performance, with NPK3 achieving the highest biomass yield (6.39 kg kg^-1), CP (24.26%), CF (5.63%), and ash (16.0%) content. In contrast, CN3 treatments reduced yield (4.84 kg kg^-1) despite increasing CP (19.65%), indicating trade-offs between nitrogen enrichment and vegetative expansion. Phosphorus-based treatments (CP2-CP3) improved nutrient density without suppressing yield. Regression analyses revealed strong correlations between DM and both CF (R² = 0.81) and ash (R² = 0.71), supporting their utility as indirect indicators of feed quality. EE content remained stable (2.07-2.67%) across all treatments, suggesting its limited responsiveness to macronutrient manipulation. These findings highlight the importance of nutrient synergy in hydroponic systems and provide a practical framework for tailoring fertilization regimes to meet specific agronomic and nutritional objectives in precision livestock feeding and provide practical guidance for optimizing hydroponic livestock feed production.