Hydroponic fodder, Mkombozi pekee wa wafugaji wa ng'ombe, kuku, nguruwe, mbuzi na kadhalika

Hydroponic fodder, Mkombozi pekee wa wafugaji wa ng'ombe, kuku, nguruwe, mbuzi na kadhalika

Chasha said:
Ya Hydroponic means
unaotesha mazao bila ya kutumia Udongo na zile nutrients zinazo patikana
kwenye udongo unakuwa unaziweka kwa maji tu.Ila kuna process si kazi
rahisi,
Click to expand...

Mkuu, hebu tuhint taratibu zikoje, vifaa vinavyofaa na jinsi ya kuotesha n.k Wengine tunataka kuanza hata kesho. Samahani endapo utakuwa ni usumbufu mkubwa lakini tumia muda utuelezee kwa upana wake ili tujue tunaanzia wapi, its taking too long!
 
Gazillionaire said:
Mkuu, hebu tuhint taratibu zikoje, vifaa vinavyofaa na jinsi ya kuotesha n.k Wengine tunataka kuanza hata kesho. Samahani endapo utakuwa ni usumbufu mkubwa lakini tumia muda utuelezee kwa upana wake ili tujue tunaanzia wapi, its taking too long!
Click to expand...

Kuna vifaaa lazima uwe navyo na ni vizuri ukajifunza practicaly.
 
Unapatikana wapi chasha?
Chasha said:
Wakuu wakati wowote kauzia mwezi ujao naweza anza kutoa mafunzo kwa wale watakao hitaji kupractise hii kitu na kwa kweli ni suluhisho kwa wafugaji wa Ng'ombe, kuku na Nguruwe, na unaweza badili kilo 90 za chakula cha kukui kuwa kilo 540.
Click to expand...
 
Arusha maeneo gani?naweza kukutembelea na kupata ujuzi zaidi?mbolea inayotumika kwa Arusha inapatikana maeneo gani?
Chasha said:
Niko Arusha,Hii kitu endapo wewe ni mfuga Ng'ombe basi inaweza kukupunguzia gharama kwa hadi 40% au Nguruwe
Click to expand...
 
Jawilat said:
Arusha maeneo gani?naweza kukutembelea na kupata ujuzi zaidi?mbolea inayotumika kwa Arusha inapatikana maeneo gani?
Click to expand...
wewe uko arusha sehemu gani? Mbolea si hii ya kawaida ipo cpecial ambayo lita tano za hiyo mbolea ya maji unaweza zalishia kilo 800 za fodder.
 
Chasha said:
Wakuu wakati wowote kauzia mwezi ujao naweza anza kutoa mafunzo kwa wale watakao hitaji kupractise hii kitu na kwa kweli ni suluhisho kwa wafugaji wa Ng'ombe, kuku na Nguruwe, na unaweza badili kilo 90 za chakula cha kukui kuwa kilo 540.
Click to expand...
Nimekuwa nikifuatilia vidz za ubunifu wa Mwema na Chege (K)... zinatia moyo... changamoto ya materials hasa mbolea, trays na shading umezikabili vipi mkuu?
 
Nipo sakina mkuu,unaweza kunielekeza namna ya kuipata mbolea amana ni muhimu kufika kwako na kujifunza kwa vitendo?
Chasha said:
wewe uko arusha sehemu gani? Mbolea si hii ya kawaida ipo cpecial ambayo lita tano za hiyo mbolea ya maji unaweza zalishia kilo 800 za fodder.
Click to expand...
 
Jawilat said:
Nipo sakina mkuu,unaweza kunielekeza namna ya kuipata mbolea amana ni muhimu kufika kwako na kujifunza kwa vitendo?
Click to expand...

Ishu sio mbolea tu, kuna process zake kwenye kuandaa na ukikosea tu either mbegu zinaoza au zinakuwa kama unataka kutengeneza pombe, si process ndogo mimi ilibidi nikajifdunze kwa vitenda.
 
So hayo mafunzo ni lini hasa? Na je gharama za mafunzo zipo vp? Ili watu tujiandae
 



fodder-teaser.jpg
Fodder or animal feed is any feedstock used specifically to feed domesticated livestock such as cattle, goats, sheep, horses, chickens and pigs. "Fodder" refers particularly to food given to the animals (including plants cut and carried to them), rather than that which they forage for themselves in pasture and grazing land. It includes hay, straw, silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations, and also sprouted grains and legumes. The fodder system we are focusing on here today is a hydroponically grown, quick turn over, and cost effective system.
With many regions of the world experiencing record droughts and peak water becoming more of a concern for many businesses and individuals who own and raise livestock, seeking options and solutions to maintain the health and growth of their animals can be a challenge. Sprouting fodder on site can be a dependable and low cost source of feed and nutritional supplementation, creating a local, on demand feed source that can build great resiliency and independence for homesteaders and those in agricultural industries.
The technique is not new and has been used and investigated for many years but has started to see a resurgence in use throughout the world as water and growing issues become more prevalent. As a response to extreme droughts, a number of commercial companies (many in Australia) have been developed. These companies offer large scale systems that are able to produce many tons of fodder feed per day and offer new options for ranchers and livestock producers.
Not only do fodder systems use less water than field grown hay, they also offer many other advantages, including higher productivity through increased nutritional value. In this article, we will explore the benefits and challenges of small to medium scale hydroponic fodder growing to produce localized feedstock.

[h=5]The Basics of Sprouting Fodder[/h]Like sprouting grains for human consumption (wheatgrass, beans, alfalfa, etc), growing fodder as sprouted grains is relatively easy and has a rapid turn over from start to finished product. The typical sprouting time for fodder is 6 - 8 days and can be adjusted depending on what stage of growth you want to harvest at and the type of animal your are feeding. Many different grains can be used - wheatgrass, barley, oats, etc. Barley is the most popular. The basic method of growing fodder is as follows:

  1. Soak the sprout grains or seed mix you wish to sprout for about 6-8 hours
    (An optional pre-soak in a very diluted bleach water solution can be used if there are concerns regarding mold - see later in the article)
  2. Drain and spread into shallow trays that have drain holes
  3. Water a couples times per day, keep moist and drained for the duration of growing cycle at a temperature range of 60 to 75°F (the lower end of the range help to reduce mold production)
  4. Harvest at the desired stage of growth and feed to the animal
Here is what the growth cycle looks like for barley grass.
fodder1.jpg
The fodder will grow from a dry seed to a 6 -7 inch plant in a little as 6 days. With multiple trays being rotated on a daily basis, once can grow a continuous supply of fresh feed with very little space, power, and water requirements. And the great part is that it is digestible by a great number of animals, from chickens and rabbits, to goat, horses, and cows, this living food can compliment the diets most farm animals.
[h=5]Benefits of Sprouted Fodder[/h]
There are many benefits to be found from using fresh barley grass and spouted grains that has been organically and hydroponically grown. When barley is sprouted, it releases many vitamins and minerals as well as converting hard to digest starches in easily digestible proteins. Some of the benefits include:

  • Water use reduction and conservation compared to field irrigation
  • Reduction in overall daily feed costs.
  • Significant reduction if feed waste - the entire root mass is consumed with the grass
  • Increased nutritional value in the feed
  • High yield in a very small area
  • Increase your independence by growing food for your animals with no need for cultivated land
  • High digestibility
  • Vitamins & mineral saturation
  • Phytate reduction for pH normalization
  • Enzymatic activity increase
  • Increases in Omega 3, amino acids, natural hormones
  • Hedge the increase in feed costs by pre-buying large quantities of grain to have on hand
  • On-demand availability of fresh green feed 365 days a year - all season access.
[h=5]Issues and Considerations[/h]
  • Mold and fungus growth can be a problem. Sterile equipment, a low humidity environment, good temperature regulation, clean water, and good air circulation can all help avoid mold and fungus problems. A one percent bleach solution can be used to wash the grains prior to the initial soaking. This will pre-sterilize the seed.
  • Depending on the sprouting setup - it can be labor intensive to rotate and clean trays and transport the "wet" feed.
  • Seed quality can play a factor in the overall success and quality of the fodder produced.
  • Storage of large quantities of grain needs to be considered in the costs and setup of a on-demand fodder system. Keeping the stored grain from moisture and pests is important.
  • Some systems require power to operate and a lack of power/water in emergency situations needs to be factored in to the setup.
[h=5]Conclusion:[/h]When looking at starting a homestead or beginning to raise animals for personal consumption or as a commercial enterprise, the nutritional needs of the livestock being raised will become a key factor in the workload and expense of a setup. Feed availability, quality and price are all continuous concerns. With good nutrition and supplementation at the forefront - other issues of animal care can be reduced and minimized.
By growing sprouted fodder - one can provide a great source of nutrition to a wide range of animals (goats, rabbits, sheep, pigs, horses, cows) and have the ability to locally acquire an on-demand feedstock. This feed will improve the health of your animals, reduce your overall maintenance costs, and build more resiliency into the care of your animals.
I hope you find this article useful in your homestead setup and overall animal care. As sprouted grains have numerous nutritional benefits for not only animals but humans as well, we are working on a number of articles that will highlight sprouted grains for human consumption.
 
[h=1]Hydroponic fodder[/h][h=3]Is it a viable option for feeding sheep, goats and other livestock?[/h][TABLE="width: 33%, align: left"]
[TR]
[TD]
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]
Year-round production​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Although the methods of hydroponic fodder production date back to the 1930's, there is renewed interest in hydroponic fodder as a feedstuff for sheep, goats, and other livestock.
Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil. Only moisture and nutrients are provided to the growing plants. There are many advantages to hydroponics. Hydroponic growing systemsproduce a greater yield over a shorter period of time in a smaller area than traditionally-grown crops.
There is a reduction or exclusion of pesticides and herbicides because the plants are in a more protected growing environment. Hydroponics is a year-round growing system that produces a consistent quantity and quality of plant material, regardless of outside weather.
Fodder (livestock feed) can be grown hydroponically much the same as vegetables, flowers, and other plants. Hydroponic fodder systems are usually used to sprout cereal grains, such as barley, oats, wheat, sorghum, and corn, or legumes, such as alfalfa, clover, or cow peas. Barley is the most commonly grown forage, because it usually gives the best yield of nutrients (4). Forage mixtures are another option.
A hydroponic fodder system usually consists of a framework of shelves on which metal or plastic trays are stacked. After soaking overnight, a layer of seeds is spread over the base of the trays. During the growing period, the seeds are kept moist, but not saturated. They are supplied with moisture and (sometimes) nutrients, usually via drip or spray irrigation. Holes in the trays facilitate drainage and thewaste water is collected in a tank.
The seeds will usually sprout within 24 hours and in 5 to 8 days have produced a 6 to 8 inch high grass mat. After the mat is removed from the tray, it can go into a feed mixer or be hand-fed to livestock. Livestock will eat the whole thing: seeds, roots, and grass. There is minimal waste. Livestock may not eat the fodder initially because it is novel, but should soon learn to eat it with relish.
[TABLE="width: 90%"]
[TR]
[TH][/TH]
[TH][/TH]
[TH][/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 3"]
Hydroponic fodder systems make very efficient use of water and land.​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
While it is possible to grow hydroponic fodder in any building, including a garage or basement, a greenhouse is ideal because temperature, light, and humidity can be precisely controlled. Efficient, year-round production of green fodder is not possible unless environmental conditions are optimal: approximately 70°F, 60 percent humidity, and 16 hours of light. For this reason, hydroponic growing systems usually require significant investment.
Hydroponic fodder systems come in a range of sizes and capacities. Large fodder sheds may produce several tons of fodder per day, whereas a mini-fodder system may produce only 10 lbs. per day. It is possible to build your own system, or a "turn-key" system can be purchased from a commercial company. Investments range from a few hundred dollars to six figures.
[h=3]As feed for livestock[/h]Fodder sprouts are tender and young, the equivalent of fresh green grass. As such, they are highly palatable and nutritious to all types and classes of livestock. On a dry matter basis, hydroponic fodder compares favorably with other nutritious feedstuffs.
[TABLE="width: 94%"]
Comparative nutrition of different feedstuffs (DM)[TR]
[TH="width: 22%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Feedstuff​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 10%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% CP[SUP]1[/SUP]​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 13%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% TDN[SUP]1[/SUP]​
[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: #000000, colspan: 4"]
mcal/kg​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="width: 13%, bgcolor: #000000"]
ME[SUP]1[/SUP]​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 12%, bgcolor: #000000"]
NE[SUB]m[SUP]1[/SUP][/SUB]​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 14%, bgcolor: #000000"]
NE[SUB]g[SUP]1[/SUP][/SUB]​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 16%, bgcolor: #000000"]
NE[SUB]l[SUP]1[/SUP][/SUB]​
​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Alfalfa Hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
17​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
58​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.1​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.6​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley grain[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
12​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
84​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.0​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.0​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.9​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley sprouts[SUP]3[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
21​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
71​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.6​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.75​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.47​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.74​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Orchardgrass, fresh[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
24​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
65​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.4​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.5​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.8​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.5​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Orchardgrass hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
10​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
59​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.1​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.6​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Soybean meal[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
49​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
84​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.0​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.0​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.3​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.9​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Sprouting changes the nutritive characteristics of the grain. Enzymes break down storage components into more simple and digestible fractions; for example, starch to sugars, proteins to amino acids, and lipids to free fatty acids. There is an increase in fiber and some vitamins and a decrease in phytic acid, an anti-nutritional factor (11).
With sprouting, there is a reduction in total energy. The increase in protein percentage is due to the dry matter loss . In fact, the downside to hydroponic fodder is its high moisture content. According to various forage analysis reports (3), the dry matter content of hydroponic fodder is only 12 to 15 percent, compared to almost 90 percent in (unsprouted) grains and hays (1). Even corn silage and haylage have considerably more dry matter than sprouts (1).

If you do not consider its high moisture content, the per pound price of hydroponic fodder seems very economical, around $0.06 per pound (or $120 per ton) (3). Without further analysis, this sounds like a great way to reduce the cost of feeding livestock. But when the wet cost is converted to a dry matter basis, feed cost becomes very high. At 12 percent dry matter (DM), wet feed that costs 6 cents per pound actually costs 50 cents per pound of dry matter. This is considerable more expensive than most other feedstuffs, as shown in the tables below.

[TABLE="width: 94%"]
Comparative costs of different feed costs (as-fed)[TR]
[TH="width: 32%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Feedstuff​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Cost​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 22%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Unit​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb​
​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley sprouts[SUP]3[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
$0.06
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
pound
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.060​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Orchardgrass hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
$60​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
700-lb bale​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.086​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Alfalfa Hay, mid bloom[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
$250
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
ton
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.125​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley grain[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
$6
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
bushel
​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.125​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Soybean meal[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
$480​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
ton​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.240​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

[TABLE="width: 94%"]
Cost per pound of dry matter (DM)[TR]
[TH="width: 32%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Feedstuff​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 22%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% DM[SUP]1[/SUP]​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb DM​
​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Alfalfa Hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.125​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
89​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.14​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley grain[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.125​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
89​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.14​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Orchardgrass hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.086​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
88​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.20​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Soybean meal[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.24​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
91​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.26​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley sprouts[SUP]3[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.06[SUP]3[/SUP]​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
12[SUP]3[/SUP]​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.50​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Because of its low dry matter content, the cost of nutrients in hydroponic fodder is also considerably more expensive than other feedstuffs.

[TABLE="width: 94%"]
Cost per pound of energy (TDN)[TR]
[TH="width: 32%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Feedstuff​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb DM​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 22%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% TDN[SUP]1[/SUP]​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb TDN​
​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley grain[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.14​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
84​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.17​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Orchardgrass hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.10​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
58​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.17​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Alfalfa Hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.14​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
58​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.24​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley sprouts[SUP]3[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.50​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
71​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.70​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]

[TABLE="width: 94%"]
Cost per pound of protein (CP)[TR]
[TH="width: 32%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Feedstuff​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb DM​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 22%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% CP[SUP]1[/SUP]​
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 23%, bgcolor: #000000"]
$/lb CP​
​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Soybean meal[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.26​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
49​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.54​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Alfalfa hay[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.14​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
17​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.82​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Barley sprouts[SUP]3[/SUP][/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.50​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
21​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.40​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Nutritional requirements of livestock are based on dry matter intake. If fed to livestock at a rate of 2 percent of their body weight (a common recommendation), hydroponic fodder will only meet a fraction of most animals' nutritional requirements, especially the higher producing ones. Thus, hydroponic fodder, while excellent feed, is only a nutritional supplement and an expensive one at that.
[TABLE="width: 100%"]
Energy (TDN) requirements met by feeding fodder @ 2% BW (as-fed)[TR]
[TH="width: 27%, bgcolor: #000000"]
Animal
Stage of production​
​
[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: #000000, colspan: 2"]
lb. fodder fed
​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 17%, bgcolor: #000000"]
lb. TDN
supplied
by fodder​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 17%, bgcolor: #000000"]
TDN requirements
lb. DM/day[SUP]1[/SUP]​
[/TH]
[TH="width: 19%, bgcolor: #000000"]
% TDN requirements met by hydro fodder​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="width: 10%, bgcolor: #000000"]
As-fed​
[/TH]
[TH="bgcolor: #000000"]
DM​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]154-lb. ewe
maintenance[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.08​
[/TD]
[TD="width: 10%, bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.37​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.26​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.36​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
19.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]154- lb. ewe
late gestation, twin lambs[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.08​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.37​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.26​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.66​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
9.9​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]154-lb. ewe
early lactation, twin lambs[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.08​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.37​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.26​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.88​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
9.1​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]176-lb. ewe, parlor milked
(5.2-8.7 lbs milk/day)[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
3.52​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.42​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.30​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
4.42​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
6.8​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Growing, 44-lb. Boer buck
( 0.44 lb/day)[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.88​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.11​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.07​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.41​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
5.3​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]Growing, 66-lb. lamb
(4 mos. old, 0.66 lb/day)[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
1.32​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.16​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.11​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.18​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
5.2​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]132-lb. doe, parlor milked
(10-14 lbs milk/day)[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
2.64​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.32​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
0.22​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
5.50​
[/TD]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99"]
4.1​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="bgcolor: #FFFF99, colspan: 6"]Calculations in table
lb. fodder fed (as-fed) = BW x 0.02. [Example: 154 lbs. x 0.02 = 3.08 lbs. as-fed]
lb. fodder fed (DM) = lb. fodder fed (as-fed) x 0.12 (% DM). [Example: 3.08 x 0.12 = 0.37 lbs DM fed]
lb. TDN supplied by fodder = lb. fodder fed (DM) x 0.71 (% TDN). [Example: 0.37 x 0.71 = 0.26 lbs. TDN]
% TDN supplied by fodder = lb. TDN supplied by fodder ÷ TDN requirements (DM). [Example: 0.26 ÷ 1.36 = 19.3% of TDN requirements][/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Full feeding of sprouts is usually inappropriate due to the high moisture content of the feed, the high cost of the feed, and the scale which would be needed to produce sufficient dry matter (11).
[h=3]Animal performance[/h][TABLE="width: 33%, align: right"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD]
Pigs eating fodder​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
The companies that market hydroponic fodder systems make many claims about hydroponic fodder as superior livestock feed: better gain, improved fertility, earlier heat cycles, improved fleece quality, improved immunity, better behavior and temperament, less manure, etc. Few of these claims have been substantiated or proven to be repeatable in experiments (5,11).
Over the years, in many different countries, and with different species (mostly cattle, pigs, and poultry), research trials have been conducted to assess the performance of livestock fed hydroponic green fodder (11). Across the many trials, there has been no consistent advantage to including green fodder in the diet of livestock, especially when it replaces highly nutritious feeds, such as grain (5,7). Even if there are benefits to hydroponic fodder, the benefits are usually outweighed by the costs.

Research is conflicting as to whether sprouting improves or reduces dry matter digestibility as compared to the raw grain. In a 2012 journal article, Iranian researchers reported no increases in quantity or quality of dry matter and nutrients with sprouting (10). While the companies claim that you'll get a 6 to 10-fold increase in weight from a pound unsprouted grain, they fail to mention that the increase (in weight) is almost all water (5,11).
At the same time, there is a strong need for more trials to determine the potential feeding value of hydroponic fodder, particularly with sheep and goats. Studies conducted in Italy in 2009 produced conflicting results with regards to milk production and welfare of sheep and goats (2,8). Another aspect that needs to be investigated is potential changes in the final product (meat and milk) as a result of replacing some of the animals' traditional diet with green fodder.
[h=3]Other challenges[/h]One of the biggest challenges to producing hydroponic fiber, especially commercial quantities, is mold (5, 11). Moldy sprouts can decrease animal performance and result in animal deaths (5, 11). Pre-treatment of seed with a sterilizing agent (e.g. hydrogen peroxide) is one strategy for preventing mold. Good hygiene in the system is also important. It is recommended that the growing trays be cleaned between crops with a chlorine based cleaning solution (11).
[TABLE="width: 90%"]
[TR]
[TH][/TH]
[TH][/TH]
[TH][/TH]
[TH][/TH]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TH="colspan: 4"]
The downside to hydroponic fodder is its high moisture content.​
[/TH]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Hydroponic fodder production requires a lot of labor. Time is needed to soak the seed, make up the nutrient solution, transfer the grain to the trays, load the trays onto the shelves, check the fodder daily for growth, remove the sprouted grain from the trays, wash and sterilize the trays, and feed the fodder to the livestock. Automation will reduce labor requirements, but may substantially increase investment costs.
In order to create a controlled growing environment, it can require considerable energy to grow hydroponic fodder (5). Solar power could be used to provide electricity, especially in remote, rural areas or third world countries.
[h=3]Advantages of hydroponic fodder[/h]Hydroponic fodder has several advantages over conventionally-produced fodder. Hydroponic fodder makes very efficient use of water (4,5,11). There is little waste water, as animals consume the recirculated water along with the feed. Since production is hydroponic, there is no leaching of nutrients into the environment. Hydroponic fodder production requires considerably less land to produce feed for livestock.
While hydroponic fodder is not likely to become a major source of feed for commercial livestock, it could be feasible under certain circumstances.
Dry and drought-prone regions
Hydroponic fodder production is probably best-suited to semi-arid, arid, and drought-prone regions of the world. By growing fodder indoors, crop failures would no longer be a risk. Good quality forage could be produced year-round. Feed supplies would be insured. Scarce water resources could be allocated more efficiently (4).
Limited land
In places where land values are extremely high or land is simply not readily available, hydroponic fodder has obvious advantages, as it can be produced in a small footprint. Because the fodder is produced continuously, there is no need for long-term feed storage and no nutrient losses that can be associated with feed storage.
High alternative feed costs
While this article clearly shows that hydroponic fodder is considerably more expensive than conventional feedstuffs, it assumes that conventional feedstuffs are available and priced competitively. There are many locations in which this is not the case and hydroponic fodder could be more competively priced.
Small-scale producers
Requiring smaller amounts of fodder, small-scale producers may be able to build their own fodder systems for a few hundred dollars. When the investment is low and labor is unpaid, the cost of hydroponic fodder is considerably less.

[TABLE="width: 54%"]
[TR]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[TD][/TD]
[/TR]
[TR]
[TD="colspan: 3"]
You can build a mini-fodder system for a minimal cost.
​
[/TD]
[/TR]
[/TABLE]
Non-ruminants
Hydroponic fodder may be best-suited to non-ruminants (horses, rabbits, pigs, and poultry) who would benefit more from the changes in the feed due to sprouting (e.g. less starch, more sugars) as compared to ruminants (sheep, goats, and cows) who are less efficient at digesting high quality feed (6). Hydroponic fodder seems ideal for horses, though the research is lacking. A study with rabbits showed no detrimental effect to replacing up to 50 percent of the commercial diet with green fodder (9).
Organic
Hydroponic fodder production seems particularly well-suited to organic producers (6), who already pay high prices for feed or have difficulty sourcing organic feedstuffs. Cereal grains can easily be sprouted in accordance with USDA's Certified Organic Program.
In the future
As competition for land and water increases and feed prices continue to rise, hydroponic fodder could become a viable option for more livestock producers.
 
Chasha said:
Wakuu kunasiku nilipost humu kuhusu Hydroponic techinology, Ila kama ilivyo kawaida yetu thread kama hizi huwa watu wanapotezea, Ila ukweli ni kwamba hii tekinolojia ni nzuri sana na inaweza kuwa ndo suluhisho pekee mpaka sasa la chakula cha mifugo.

Inaweza kukupunguzia gharama za chakula kwa 50% na kama tunavyo jua kwenye ufugaji hasa Kuku chakula kinabeba hadi asilimia 85 ya gharama zote za uendeshaji wa kuku.

110846c.jpg

Kanga wakiwa wanakula Hydroponic fodder.
DIY-Fodder4.jpg

Kuku wakila hydroponic fedder.

HYDROPONIC FODDER inaweza tumika kulishia aina zote za mifugo na hii ni njia rahisi sana na isiyo kuwa na gharama sana.
Click to expand...

Samahani bro, nimejaribu kutengeneza hii kitu ila nutrients nimekosa!! Unaweza kunitajia jina mojawapo la hizo nutrients za kuchanganyia humo??
 
Kijana Juzi said:
Samahani bro, nimejaribu kutengeneza hii kitu ila nutrients nimekosa!! Unaweza kunitajia jina mojawapo la hizo nutrients za kuchanganyia humo??
Click to expand...

Mkuu kutengengeneza Nutrients si ishu ya kitoto kabisa, ni ngumu sana na ni gharama sana kutengeneza nutrients kwa sababu kuna vitu vingi sana vya kuchanganya, ni lazima uwe na capital kubwa sana kuweza kuchanganya nutrients mwenyewe, uko wapi?
 
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