This post is based on an article, my good friend James wrote a little while back, James is an expert in hydroponics and has been particularly successful in setting up hydroponic green fodder systems like he describes in this installment, if you would like more information on this topic please see vortexdelta.com. a page that specialises in renewable energy & sustainability innovation.Hydroponic green feed or fodder is a natural livestock feed solution for countries with extreme climatic conditions such as the United States, Canada or Australia because it offers minimum water usage and the production of green feed year round irrespective of natural disasters, droughts, floods and fires.
For over 25 years, research has continued on the application of green feed or hydroponic fodder production. Experimental testing facilities have been set-up to evaluate different techniques, systems, temperature effects, nutrients and grains.
There has been a major advance in green feed production and many of the original problems have been eliminated. These advances have resulted in higher yields, reduction in water and nutrient usage and greater control over the temperature.
Why hydroponic feed?
The overriding factor is that succulent green feed, of constant quality and quantity is available year round, when and where required, independent of climatic prevailing conditions or natural disasters. It is easy to set up and easy to operate. Green feed is available to feed out within 7 days of setting up.
Every farmer involved in livestock will appreciate the effectiveness of greenhouse cultivation and of having highly nutritious fresh green feed available for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs and other livestock at short notice and all year long. The most popular grains include oats, barley, wheat, corn, maize, cow peas and alfalfa.
Hydroponically grown green feed or fodder is fresh organically grown grass, free of agriculturally related contaminants especially fungicides and insecticides. Also because it is dust free it reduces the risk and helps prevent respiratory diseases. Hydroponic green feeds are 95% digestible,
unlike unsprouted grains, which are at best 30% digestible. During the growth process, the amount of fodder increases fivefold.
The cost of raising livestock therefore decreases, since approximately half of the cost of raising livestock is for feed. Because the green feed has high moisture content, reduces the problem of colic. A growing chamber covering 15 square meters can produce 365,000 kilos of fresh green fodder per year, which is equivalent to 25 acres of grass field.
How difficult is it?
The basic operations are simple and the growing conditions are regulated by controlled equipment. To be successful, good sanitation or hygiene is most important.
What are the basic operations?
1. soaking the seeds overnight
2. placing the seeds on trays
3. germinating the seeds
4. checking the plant growth and the controllers
5. removing the trays when the feed is ready for feeding out
6. feeding the green feed to the livestock
7. cleaning and sterilizing the trays
8. keeping the growing chamber clean and washing down regularly
9. making up nutrient solution as required (normally once per week)
