Review on hydroponics green fodder production: Enhancement of nutrient and water use efficiency

Abstract

Fodder crops produced by hydroponics technology are also known as hydroponics fodder, sprouted fodder or sprouted grain. Sprouting of the grains is made inside a greenhouse within a short period of approximately seven days. In India, the increase in the livestock population along with the intensive rearing system has resulted in the increase demands for feeds and fodder. The unavailability of quality green fodder adversely affects the productive and reproductive efficiency of the livestock. Besides the less availability of land, more labour for cultivation (sowing, weeding, harvesting etc.), more time for harvesting, non-availability of same quality around the year, requirement of manure and fertilizer; the uncertainty of rain fall, water scarcity and natural calamities due to climate change are the major constraints for green fodder production encountered by the livestock farmers. Due to the above constraints the hydroponics technology is coming up as an alternative to grow fodder for farm animals. Further, hydroponics technology for fodder production will be very effective for requires 2-3 litres of water to produce one kilogram of green fodder as compared to 55 to 75 litres of water required for the traditional cultivation practices. No wastage of water as the available water is also recycled and utilized. Hydroponic fodder is especially rich in vitamin C and E apart from minerals and high protein content. Hydroponic fodder production not only improves nutrient content by using less water and less space but also a cost effective method for a huge demand in supplying fodder for livestock.