Hydroponic fodder for sheep and goats: a feeding guide
Sheep and goats readily eat hydroponic fodder. As ruminants, they can make good use of a fresh, digestible green feed.
Sheep and goats readily eat hydroponic fodder. As ruminants, they can make good use of a fresh, digestible green feed. Fodder is a supplement within a ration based on forage. It is not a complete feed, it should be introduced gradually, and the amount is adjusted to body weight and production stage.
What hydroponic fodder is
Hydroponic fodder is grown from barley, wheat, or maize seed over a 6–8 day germination window. The whole mat of roots, seed, and shoots is fed. It is tender and palatable, similar in character to young green grass. Fresh fodder is mostly water. Forage analyses typically show a dry matter content of roughly 12 to 15 percent, compared with close to 90 percent for grain and hay.
What the research shows
Studies in sheep and goats report generally positive effects at moderate levels. In sheep, replacing part of the barley grain with hydroponic barley fodder increased dry matter intake, nutrient digestibility, and nitrogen retention. In growing lambs, partial replacement of concentrate improved daily gain and nutrient use. In growing goat kids, adding hydroponic barley or maize fodder to a hay-based diet improved intake, digestibility, and growth. However, a trial in Awassi lambs found that while digestibility improved, growth was lower when sprouted barley made up a large share of the diet. Researchers also note that an economic analysis is needed before practical recommendations are made.
How fodder fits into the ration
Long fibre from hay, pasture, or other forage remains the foundation of the diet, because it keeps the rumen working normally. Fodder is added on top of that base or replaces part of the concentrate, as decided by the nutritionist. Requirements differ for growing lambs and kids, pregnant or lactating ewes and does, and animals at maintenance, so the amount is adjusted to body weight and production stage.
Gradual introduction
Extension services advise that ruminant diets should be changed gradually so that rumen microbes can adapt. Start with a small amount mixed into the usual ration, then increase in steps over several days while watching intake, rumination, and droppings. If problems appear, return to the previous amount.
Feed hygiene
Feed fodder fresh on the day of harvest. Inspect each mat and discard any with visible mould or an off smell. Clean trays between cycles. Mould is a commonly reported problem in fodder systems, and mouldy feed can reduce performance and harm animals.
Evaluating fodder
Compare fodder with other feeds on a dry matter basis. Have fodder from your own system analysed, because nutrient content varies with seed quality, variety, and growing conditions.
System sizing
SproutTray systems are quoted to herd size, power, and site, based on the daily fresh fodder requirement the farm specifies.