This researchwas carried out to evaluate the quality of the roughage produced by hydroponics.Rice hulls and chopped elephantgrass were used as substrates for corn cultivation,put on plastic canvas. Corn seeding density was 2.5 kg of seed/m2.A randomized experimental design was used, with seven replications. Plot utilearea measured 0.5 m x 0.5 m. Fertiirrigation was used from the 3rdto the 14th day after seeding. Harvest occurred at the 14thday and fresh forage productivity was determined. Three types of samples weretaken: complete forage (shoot + root + substratum), substratum + roots, andshoot only. The following response variables were determined: DM concentration,CP, NDF, ADF, and ash. The rice hulls substratum resulted in higher DM production,NDF, ADF and ash concentration, while the chopped elephantgrass promoted greaterCP concentration, although with low DM concentration. The CP presented inverserelationship with DM concentration and its components: NDF, ADF and ash.
