Green fodders produced by growing seeds without soil but in water or nutrients rich solutions are known as hydroponics green fodder and the production method is termed as Alfaculture.

1. Why Hydroponic Green Fodders Are The Best Choice For
Livestock Animals

2. Green fodders produced by growing seeds without soil but in water or nutrients rich
solutions are known as hydroponics green fodder and the production method is termed
as Alfaculture. Hydroponics green fodder production or Alfaculture is a method of
cultivating livestock feed mostly in green houses under controlled environment, in
nutrient rich water.

3. Green fodders are staple feed for dairy
animals. Dairy animals producing up to5-7
liters milk per day can be maintained
exclusively by feeding green fodders.
Inclusion of green fodders in ration of dairy
animals decreases amount of concentrate
feeding and thus increases profit.
Therefore, for economical and sustainable
dairy farming, fodder production round the
year is highly essential.
Green fodder produced in an Alaculture
system would have many benefits as it is
capable to fulfill bulk of animal easily and
quickly, hydroponic green fodders are a
major source of vegetable protein, it is a
good source of carbohydrate (soluble and
fibrous) and good source of minerals.
Hydroponic green fodders are rich in
essential vitamins and a good source of
water (approx. 15-25% water).

4. The Alfaculture units are built with a greenhouse (for growth of fodder) and a control
unit, (for regulation of light, temperature, humidity and water) for optimum growth of
fodder. And generally in an Alfaculture system, fodders are grown in trays in 7 days cycle
excluding the day for seed soaking.
In comparison to conventional green fodders, hydroponics green fodders contain more
protein, fat (ether extract) and soluble carbohydrates (nitrogen free extract); but less
fiber, total ash and acid insoluble ash.

5. Feeding of hydroponics green fodder produced in Alfaculture units are more beneficial
to all livestock due to their high nutritional values. Green fodders are highly succulent
and relished by dairy animals. For instance; 7-8Kgs of Alfaculture maize green fodder
can replace one kg concentrate mixture fodder. As it is highly succulent, it is
recommended to offer maximum 20 kg hydroponic green fodder per day per animal.