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FODDER

Fodder growing from barley
Fodder growing from barley

In agriculture, fodder or animal feed is any foodstuff that is used specifically to feed livestock, such as cattle, sheep, chickens and pigs. Most animal feed is from plants but some fodder is of animal origin.

Contents

[edit] Common plants specifically grown for fodder

Round hay bales
Round hay bales

[edit] Types of fodder

[edit] Health concerns

In the past, mad cow disease spread through the inclusion of ruminant meat and bone meal in cattle feed due to prion contamination. This practice is now banned in most countries where had occurred.

[edit] Growing Fodder Hydroponically

Fodder factory set up by a farmer for his 100 head of cattle
Fodder factory set up by a farmer for his 100 head of cattle

Fodder may be effectively grown in a hydroponic environment. Growing fodder, instead of feeding the "raw" grain to stock, can greatly increase the value of the grain. For instance, 1 ton of barley can be converted to 7 tons of fodder in less than two weeks.

[edit] See also

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