Hydroponic Fodder—A New Approachto Livestock Feeding

摘要

Traditionally, in a country like India and other tropical ones, livestock feeding largely consists of feeding crop residues supplemented with one or two individual concentrate ingredients. In addition, grazing and green fodder are also fed to the animals to increase production. Small ruminants like sheep and goat mostly depend upon grazing during rainy season. During summers, they require supplementation with green fodder in addition to grazing to increase production. In most parts of India, livestock production is affected mainly due to shortage of green fodder during summers. To overcome this, a new concept of cultivating green fodder i.e., hydroponic fodder has gained attention all over the world. Dr. Allen Cooper introduced the concept of hydroponic fodder production during 1930's. Provided the temperature and light requirements are adequate, regular output of hydroponic green feed is possible throughout the year, irrespective of the local weather conditions. Hydroponic fodder provides roots, seed, and greenfoliage which are of excellent nutritive value to animals.