China's animal husbandry has a very long history and a wide variety of species. There have also been changes in feeding, from the ancient grazing and decentralized farming mode to the current captive and centralized farming mode. In ancient times, livestock ate green grass in the summer and stored hay, dry leaves, and crop straw in the winter. In the current breeding farms, whether in summer or winter, our unified feeding method is hay plus silage.However, with the increasing demand for meat and the uneven distribution of arable land resources, the supply of green feed is far from sufficient.The emergence of hydroponic forage is the key to solving this problem.
The hydroponic fodder system is a popular and effective method for providing nutritious diets for cattle and sheep. This system includes the use of hydroponic techniques to plant high-quality, easily digestible grass and other plants in a controlled environment.
How to operate the hydroponic fodder system?
In hydroponic fodder, the seeds must first germinate and then be transplanted into a suitable hydroponic tank or container for their growth. The roots of plants need to be in full contact with water and oxygen, so regular replacement or addition of water is necessary, and attention should be paid to maintaining stable water temperature and pH value. At the same time, lighting is also an important factor, and sufficient light sources need to be provided to meet the needs of plant photosynthesis.
This process starts by selecting high-quality seeds and soaking them in water for several hours until they begin to sprout. Then lay the seeds on a sterilized tray or shelf and store them in a dark and humid environment for a few days until they grow tender green buds.The shoots are then transferred to a hydroponic system where they are grown in nutrient-rich water that is carefully monitored to ensure optimal growth conditions. Within a week or two, the shoots grow into mature plants that are ready for use as animal feed.
What are the advantages hydroponic fodder system?
Compared to traditional livestock farming methods, hydroponic fodder systems provide many benefits. Firstly, they provide highly nutritious and easily digestible food, free from harmful chemicals and hormones. In addition, compared to traditional farming methods, hydroponic cultivation of fodder requires much less space and water, making it an ideal solution for farmers with limited resources.
Furthermore, the system allows farmers to produce fresh feed all year round, regardless of seasonal changes or weather conditions. This is particularly important in regions with harsh climates where traditional farming methods are often ineffective.
The conversion rate of hydroponic feed is also high, and hydroponic malt has higher nutritional value compared to traditional feed. Cattle and sheep can easily digest it, with a digestion rate of over 90%. Hydroponic grazing livestock will never waste even if eaten, including the roots.
In conclusion, hydroponic fodder systems are a simple and efficient way to provide nutrient-rich meals for cattle and sheep. They offer numerous benefits over traditional farming methods and have the potential to revolutionize the way we produce food for our livestock.