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Indian dairies using fodder systems to cut feed bills, increase production

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Indian woman in dairy

Like many places around the world, India is facing urban encroachment on agricultural production land, drought and rising feed prices.   Here’s an interesting article, which details how commercial dairies in India are using hydroponic fodder production to equip themselves to face these challenges.  Here are a couple of interesting highlights:

  • The Integrated Dairy Development Project recommends a basic ration of 55 lbs of hydroponic fodder, 22 lbs of conventional green fodder (haylage, silage, or fresh pasture?) and 11 lbs of straw.  Production at this ration was low by American standards, but normal by Indian standards; around 35 pounds.  We have observed American dairies using a similar ration and producing 50 lbs.
  • Dairies should realize a savings of 20-25% in feed costs.
  • A study by  the Kerala Veterinary and Animal Sciences University Study indicated milk production with a fodder based diet increased by one to three litres per cow, an increase of 0.3% in butterfat, and a 0.5% increase in SNF.

US milk market to grow robustly driven by health conscious consumers

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Sprouted barley fodder in fodder system

A recent study indicates the US milk market will continue robust growth over the next several years.  A key driver will be a recognition by health conscious consumers of milk as a nutrient rich food.  Presumably then, better quality (healthier) milk will be in higher demand as long as cost doesn’t become prohibitive.

This coincides with a couple of other trends which should be of interest to dairy producers:  a demand for more locally sourced food, and technological advances which will allow consumers to reconnect with farms.

Smart dairy operations will be able to take advantage of each one of these trends.  Here’s how a fodder system will help:   [Read more…]

Antibiotics, dairy cows, herd health and fodder

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dairy cows eating hydroponic fodderA recent report raised concerns regarding the illegal use of certain antibiotics by a handful of dairy farmers.   Unlike beef cattle, and hogs, which are often given antibiotics as a preventative measure, dairymen will only administer antibiotics to a dairy cow when she’s sick.  Any milk produced while the drugs remain in the cow’s system is discarded.

Because of the resulting loss in production, a small number of farmers have apparently resorted to using antibiotics not approved for use in dairy cows.  Because milk shipments are tested for only commonly administered antibiotics,  the use of these particular antibiotics allows the offending dairies to skirt food safety rules.

To be clear, this is not a widespread practice.  In fact, only .4% of randomly collected samples had drug residues.  Most dairies are highly conscientious with regards to food safety.

But the issue of herd health is of great importance to all livestock operations.  Not only are medications and veterinary care expensive, but in the case of a dairy, there is a cost for care, and a cost in lost production.

What is the answer?   [Read more…]

Cal State Chico completes fodder study

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dairy cowsThere’s an awful lot of anecdotal information out there that fodder works. It’s a healthier, less expensive, and more environmentally friendly way to feed livestock. What is lacking however, are deep, extensive studies done by agricultural scientists at major universities. Most of the studies people see are a few very limited studies which take the overly simplistic approach of comparing sprouted fodder to hay and grain on strictly a dry matter basis. In terms of the real world results we’re seeing, these studies are useless.
Now here is something we can all sink our teeth into: California State University Chico recently completed a study at the school’s organic dairy involving a small herd of dairy cows fed sprouted barley fodder over the course of a year. Among the findings:   [Read more…]

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FodderTech Hydroponic Fodder Technology

Our fodder systems were developed by renowned hydroponics expert Peter Doyle. Unique among sprouted fodder systems, our technology was specifically developed to address several challenges which are frequently encountered where hydroponic fodder has been introduced into farming operations. These include mold growth, labor costs, scaleability and yield. Give us a call, we'll show you the FodderTech difference!

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