Article Summary: Being a farmer, you can strongly relate to fodder as your animals feed on it. Farmers have been inclined towards growing their fodder from pasture. This decision solely depends on your goals and circumstances. To grow fodder from the field, you must consider factors like land size, available resources, nutritional needs of livestock, and climate. The choice of fodder for your farm animals varies based on their nutritional needs. It also depends on their digestive systems and feeding behaviours. Sheep thrive on a varied diet of pasture, hays, and legumes, which takes advantage of their complex stomachs and grazing habits. Read on to determine whether you should grow your own fodder from pasture.
As a farmer, you understand how crucial fodder is to your farm, as your animals feed on it. Without it, your farm simply would not operate!
Generally, farmers are inclined towards growing their fodder from pasture. However, this decision solely depends on your goals and circumstances. For example, you must consider factors like land size, available resources, the nutritional needs of your livestock, the season you’re in and, related to this, your climate.
Read on to discover whether growing fodder from your own pasture is possible and whether you should do it.
What is the difference between fodder and forage?
Fodder and forage are related terms in agriculture, such as siblings, but they have their own attributes.
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Fodder |
Forage |
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Definition |
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Fodder is the dried hay or straw fed by cattle and other livestock animals. It includes silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations, plus sprouted grains or fresh malt. |
Forage is a more general term that refers to all plants grown for consumption by livestock. It is the ‘food’, or grass, taken by browsing or grazing. |
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Form |
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Most commonly in the form of hay, a dried grass. Another form of fodder is straw, a cereal plant’s stem after harvesting. A third form is silage, which is highly moisture-rich, fermented, and stored in airtight containers. |
Forage has several types, ranging from clover to herbaceous plants and grasses like alfalfa. |
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Purpose |
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Fodder aims to ensure a controlled and consistent source of nutrition for livestock. Fodder plays an essential role in maintaining the well-being and health of animals. It also meets their dietary requirements. |
Its use enables a sustainable and natural feeding approach. It utilises the nutritional benefits provided by a wide variety of plants that enhance the health and vitality of the animals. |
What are the main feeding options for farmers?
You have various options for feeding your cattle. Taking three main and widespread feed options, we look at their pros and cons:
Hay
Pros
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It is cost-effective, especially if infrastructure and facilities are available.
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It can have a lower carbon footprint than others if produced locally.
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It does not require any additional processing.
Cons
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Its quality depends upon the weather during harvesting.
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It requires unique and appropriate airtight storage to prevent spoilage.
Silage
Pros
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It has a higher nutrient content than hay.
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It has a low spoilage risk due to the anaerobic fermentation.
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It can have a lower carbon footprint than others if produced and used efficiently.
Cons
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Heavy on pockets with the initial investment in equipment and storage.
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Requires intensive labour during storage and harvesting.
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It needs proper management to maintain fermentation and avoid spoilage.
Pasture
Pros
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It is cost-effective and economically friendly if appropriately managed.
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It has a lower carbon footprint than processed feed.
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It contributes to animal health by supporting natural animal behaviour.
Cons
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It requires a vast area of land.
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It can spoil with weather fluctuations that can affect forage availability.
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It requires proper infrastructure, such as rotational grazing and fencing.
Will your feeding decisions differ from sheep to cows to other farm animals?
The choice of feed for your farm animals varies based on their nutritional needs. It also depends on their digestive systems and feeding behaviours. Sheep thrive on a varied diet of pasture, hays, and legumes, which takes advantage of their complex stomachs and grazing habits.
Because of their unique digestive system, cattle benefit from pasture, grain-based feeds, hay, and silage. Pigs, as omnivores, require a varied diet that includes grains, protein sources, and some forages. In contrast, chickens, also omnivores, can benefit from pasture foraging and eating insects in addition to grains. The choice of fodder is critical for meeting the unique nutritional needs of each farm animal and promoting optimal health and productivity.
The variety of crop species you decide to grow will also provide differing results. Many legumes have higher levels of proteins, energy and micronutrients than other grasses.
However, the fibre content of many kinds of grass is easier for herbivores to digest than that of legumes. Therefore, a mixture of different grasses and legumes makes for a higher quality forage ideal for livestock.
Can you grow your fodder from pasture?
Yes, you can grow your fodder from pasture, but each has pros and cons. Your decision will depend upon factors such as resources, environmental conditions, and your farming goals.
Is it a good idea?
While pasture-based food can enhance your animals’ health and improve forage diversity, its success is not promised. It can be advantageous in providing nutritious feed with cost-effective methods, but it also depends on whether you’ll achieve high forage quality and yield. Timing and weather conditions can make or break the deal, as can pests and soil fertility.
How can you do it?
Growing fodder from pasture needn’t be a huge transition if you are set up with machinery, labour and a proactive mindset. You're already part of the way there if you understand the importance of managing soil health, rotational grazing, and selecting appropriate forage varieties. Planning for seasonal variations, proper irrigation, and soil testing are critical considerations, as are adequate fencing and forage storage.
What tools do you need?
You require essential tools such as fencing materials, soil testing kits, and irrigation equipment for pasture cultivation. Baling and storage equipment, such as silos and balers, are required for conserved forages. You also need proper equipment for seeding and soil preparation.
Can agritech innovations help?
Agritech innovations can help you in growing fodder from pasture. These tools provide precision farming kits, such as irrigation management, soil monitoring and automated feeding systems. For instance, drones can assess pasture health, and data analytics can optimise resource utilisation. With the help of smart sensors and robotic technologies, you can improve livestock management efficiency and fodder cultivation.
In a nutshell, should you grow your own fodder?
The storage and cultivation of fodder is best for the seasons when fresh forage is limited, like in winter or dry seasons. So, it’s a resounding yes from us here at Pasture.io!
Until we meet again, Happy Farming!
- The Dedicated Team of Pasture.io, 2023-12-12