Fodder: The Startling Truth No One is Talking About | Will Fodder Really Save You Time & Money?

Summary

Dulce, a passionate animal farmer, shares her experiences and in-depth research on growing fodder for livestock. While initially excited about the idea of sprouting grains to reduce feed costs and boost animal health, Dulce uncovers several challenges, including high moisture content, time investment, and the loss of nutritional value in sprouted grains. Through detailed research and expert advice, she highlights that fodder may not always be the cost-saving, time-efficient solution it seems to be, especially for small-scale farmers. Dulce invites others to share their experiences, emphasizing the need for thoughtful consideration before adopting fodder systems.

Takeaways

• 😀 Fodder involves sprouting grains to feed animals, typically requiring 6-10 days of growth.
• 😀 Fodder is a water-heavy product, with around 80% moisture, meaning the dry matter content is much lower than expected.
• 😀 Growing fodder can significantly reduce feed costs and provide fresh, daily nutrition for animals, but it's time-consuming and labor-intensive.
• 😀 Animals must be fed based on dry matter, and fodder's true nutritional value may be lower than that of the raw grains used to grow it.
• 😀 Fodder systems require daily care, including watering, cleaning, and ensuring no mold or pathogens form.
• 😀 The nutritional content of fodder can decrease as the sprouting process consumes stored starches and carbohydrates.
• 😀 Fodder can be a viable solution if quality hay is not available in your area or if you're seeking self-sufficiency without owning land.
• 😀 Fodder systems are not a quick or easy solution—some people have found that they require a controlled environment to avoid mold and ensure quality.
• 😀 Although fodder is palatable to animals, especially poultry, there are challenges such as storage, space, and transportation due to its weight and moisture content.
• 😀 Fodder might not save you money or time; in fact, it may end up being more expensive and demanding than other feeding methods.
• 😀 It's important to carefully consider the pros and cons of fodder before deciding to implement it as a primary feed source, especially for those with limited resources.

Q & A

What is the definition of fodder, and how is it different from forage?

Fodder is food provided to domestic animals, especially coarse food for species like cats, horses, goats, and sheep. It is different from forage, which refers to the food that animals find for themselves in pastures or grazing areas.

What are some of the benefits of growing sprouted fodder for animals?

The benefits include water use reduction, lower daily feed costs, reduced feed waste, increased nutritional value, higher yield in a small area, and better digestibility, as well as the ability to provide fresh feed year-round.

What are some challenges associated with growing fodder?

Challenges include the time required for daily maintenance, cleaning the trays, and keeping the fodder mold-free. The quality of fodder is highly dependent on seed quality, and it can become heavy and difficult to transport. Additionally, climate control is essential to avoid issues like mold and mildew.

How does the dry matter content in fodder affect its feed value?

Fodder loses dry matter as it grows, which impacts its feed value. For example, 2 pounds of grain may produce 12 pounds of fodder, but the fodder only retains about 10% dry matter, which means the nutrient value is significantly reduced compared to the original grain.

Does growing fodder lead to increased nutritional content for animals?

Contrary to common belief, growing fodder does not necessarily improve nutritional content. Research indicates that sprouted grains may have lower protein, energy, and digestibility than the raw seeds they came from.

Why is it important to base animal feed calculations on dry matter?

Dry matter is essential because it represents the actual nutrients in the food. Water content in fodder doesn't provide nutritional value, so basing feed calculations on dry matter ensures that animals are receiving the proper amount of nutrients.

When might it make sense to grow fodder for animals?

It may make sense if you have limited access to high-quality hay, if you aim to be more self-sufficient without owning land, or if you want to provide a varied diet to your animals. However, it’s crucial to account for the time and cost involved.

What are the key factors that determine whether fodder will be a cost-effective option?

The time and labor involved, the quality of the seed, the setup for growing and harvesting fodder, and the overall cost of maintaining the system are all key factors. For most people, growing fodder may not save time, money, or feed, especially with limited resources.

What role does seed quality play in growing fodder?

Seed quality is crucial because it directly impacts the nutritional content of the fodder. Low-nutrient seeds will produce low-nutrient fodder, regardless of how it’s grown.

Can sprouted grains be a substitute for hay or other feed sources?

While sprouted grains can supplement feed, they are unlikely to fully replace hay or other feed sources. They may be useful as an additional treat or nutrient boost but aren't typically sufficient as the primary feed for livestock.