This study evaluated the feasibility and challenges of implementing sprouted fodder on organic dairy farms.
This method, in addition to its short term economic benefits, can stabilize the structures, contribute to reducing runoff, increase soil organic content and provide fodder for livestock.
The third scenario was conversion of the whole area with special interests in clean groundwater to organic farming, self-sufficient in fodder and fertiliser.
In study 3, 3 organic dairies that fed sprouted barley fodder were monitored monthly for 12 mo to collect data on feed nutritional analysis, milk production and composition, and management.
After reclamation studies are over, these cultivated halophytes can be utilized as animal fodder or for making organic composts.
The management effect was primarily caused by lower net imports of fodder and fertilisers to the organic farms and the following higher self-sufficiency in fodder.
Leaves and fruits provide food, fodder [for livestock] and organic matter to fortify the soil.
Other uses include making paper, fibreboard, basket work, biogas [gases derived from the decay of organic matter without oxygen], water puri fication, animal fodder and fish feed," Buckton added.
Computational results suggest that it is more profitable to produce more high value cash crops and milk; it is more water efficient to grow cash crops than fodder; and it generates more soil organic matter accumulation by growing more crops with larger amount of root stubble and enlarging the heard size.
We calculated the N-SSB for this type of a reconnected livestock and cropping system and found a value very close to the specialized organic cash crop system with full utilization of fodder production, leading to profitable animal production, essentially as milk in this farm design.
