Should Asystasia gangetica No Longer Be Considered Just a Weed but Rather Also a Livestock Fodder?

Abstract

Under oil palm, rubber, and coconut plantations, there are many plant species that are commonly considered weeds. Ruminants are often grazed on these palatable weeds as the primary source of feed on such integrated farms. Asystasia gangetica (L.) T. Anderson belongs to the family Acanthaceae, flowering plants predominantly found in tropical and subtropical regions. This plant is perennial and invasive and extensively grows on the ground surface of tree plantations. Redefining A. gangetica as a forage crop instead of a weed can support sustainable livestock feeding by utilising its nutritional value, adaptability, and cost-saving benefits, contributing to climate-smart animal production. It has been revealed that this plant has high nutritional value and biologically active compounds. In recent years, there has been growing interest in using A. gangetica as a low-input management plant for animal feeding purposes. Due to its weedy characteristics and limited use as an animal feed, data on growth characteristics, nutritional value, and utilisation of the species in tropical regions is insufficient. In this paper, the distribution and adaptation of A. gangetica are determined, and the growth characteristics, nutritive value, and usefulness assessed. This species is relatively short and spreads rapidly forming a dense sward, which is important for the prevention of soil erosion thus having potential also as a cover crop.