Hydroponic fodder is suitable for sheep and goats as a fresh green supplement. Introduce gradually. The amount is adjusted to body weight and production stage.
Systems are quoted to herd size, power, and site.
Sheep and goats are ruminants, so any change to their diet should be gradual. Begin with a small portion of fodder alongside their usual hay or pasture, and increase it slowly over several days while you observe the animals.
The right amount depends on body weight, age, and production stage. Ewes and does in late pregnancy or lactation, growing lambs and kids, and dry adults all have different needs. Plan the amount for each group with your nutritionist.
Fodder works best as a fresh supplement to a diet built on good-quality forage. Long fibre from hay or grazing remains essential for rumen health, so do not let fodder take the place of roughage.
Goats are often selective feeders. Offering fodder in a clean rack or trough, broken into manageable pieces, helps reduce waste and keeps it off the ground.
Watch rumination, appetite, and droppings during the introduction. Bloat, scouring, or a drop in intake are signs to reduce the amount and contact your veterinarian.
Feed only fresh fodder. Discard any batch that smells sour or shows mould, and remove leftovers before they spoil. Make sure clean water is always available.
Mineral needs differ between sheep and goats, so ask your veterinarian which mineral supplement suits each species, especially when both are kept together.
Introduce fodder separately from other diet changes, such as a move to new pasture, so you can tell which change caused any problem.
No. Fodder is a supplement, not a forage replacement. Sheep and goats still need hay, pasture, or other roughage every day to keep the rumen working well. Fodder can add fresh green feed when pasture is short, but the roughage base should stay in place.
Young animals can usually be introduced to small amounts once they are eating solid feed, but check with your veterinarian first and increase slowly.
It can be used in both, as part of a balanced ration. Production goals differ, so the amount and timing should be agreed with your nutritionist for each herd.