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“We have always used pellets and other manufactured feeds but the turn around in the calves after being on the sprouts for three weeks was truly amazing”
Richard Kinnon, Longreach Qld.
Applications
Until recently, barley fodder was considered filler, and the nutritional value was underestimated. However, with increased awareness of the nutritional value of barley fodder and associated health benefits, it is recognized as a beneficial portion of an animals feed ration. Recent issues in the beef industry has increased holistic approaches to forage production to minimize costs while optimizing animal health and performance.
FODDERsolutions systems are also suited for locations confronting hindered agricultural development as a result of feed shortages, water shortages, drought, adverse climatic conditions, rapid population growth and rapid urbanization (reduced agricultural land near urban areas).
Hydroponic systems for growing fodder offer an attractive, cost effective alternative to growing fodder in soil. Market demand for an economically viable "organic" feed supply source is supported by increased public and industry unease over animal feed quality, food supply safety, and concerns relating to pesticide and veterinary drug residues in meat and poultry products.
Beef Producers
FODDERsolutions recommend using barley seed to produce barley fodder naturally rich in enzymes that improves digestion, allows use of less expensive grain and decreases overall feed consumption.
Our own research shows that the fodder is high in protien and energy, and feeding 3-5% of a beasts body weight per head per day plus some barley straw is the best ration to use. FODDERsolutions have conducted several trials feedlotting angus and angus cross cattle with great success.
Dairy Cattle
Supplementing with fresh barley grass in a typical daily diet of a cow in mid lactation improves milk production, increases fertility and gives rise to a healthier animal requiring less veterinarian care.
Barley grown hydroponically as a supplemental feed not only keeps dairy cattle healthy but can give premium prices from higher grades of butter fat in the milk. Each kilogram of barley fodder is equivalent nutritionally to 3kgs of lucerne.
In one study of milk production, with a diet of barley fodder versus one of normal feeds such as grain, hay or silage, a group of 60 cows on a barley fodder diet increased milk production by 10.07% over the control group. In addition, the group fed barley fodder produced a butterfat content of 14.26% higher than those fed a regular diet.
A supplement of fresh nutritious barley grass in a horse’s diet provides rapid results ranging from higher energy levels to faster recovery times from infection. Fresh hydroponic barley grass supplements increases sheen of the hair coat while increasing the haemoglobin level and blood count, giving the animal more "heart".
With a ration of fresh hydroponic barley grass, maximum performance is achieved on less protein due to better assimilation and digestibility of its daily feed. Horses will generally eat between 5-10kg of sprouts per day, depending on the horse’s daily workload.
Reported observations from livestock owners
- Reduced recovery time after hard work
- Stimulation of appetite, especially during conditions of heat stress
- Reduction in the incidence of Gut Ulcers in racehorses
- Reduction in the incidence of Laminitis in working horses
- Improvements in behaviour, ie, reduction of “fizz” in working horses
- Great improvements in general appearance & coat gloss
- Substantial improvements in hoof quality & strength (reported by farriers)
- Improved conception rates in broodmares on poor quality pastures
- Improved performance of young foals on broodmares in poor paddocks.
Sheep and goats show the same improvements in health and digestion as cattle. Pigs and chickens are sometimes raised in factory situations and show vast improvements in health and digestion.
Barley grass is rick in enzymes and can improve the environment for birds due to reductions in "sticky droppings" from chickens as well as cleaner eggs in laying operations.
Research has demonstrated that enzyme rich barley grass feed enhances swine production and is particularly beneficial to young pigs making the stressful transition from sow's milk to solid food.
Reported Observations from Sheep and Goat Owners
- Good weight gains on poor quality pastures
- Improved conception rates in ewes and does
- Improved weaning rates in herds on poor quality pastures
- Fewer herd health problems
- Improved milk yields in milking goats
- Improved appearance of fleece in fibre goats.
Animals that are accustomed to a grass diet in their natural habitat are healthier in confinement when fed fresh barley fodder all year round. The FODDERsolutions systems can be adapted to feed different daily ration amounts.
FODDERsolutions systems can be converted into sprout factories
Both alfalfa and other mixed sprouts only take 4 days from germination to finish.
The two main differences over conventionally grown sprouts are:
- Better quality - more vibrant, greener and fresher
- Increased shelf life - one week increase in average shelf life).