Effects of Hydroponic Fodder Feeding on Milk Yield and Composition of Dairy Cow: Review

Abstract

The aim of this paper was to review the effects of hydroponic fodder feeding on milk yield and composition of the dairy cow. Hydroponic fodder is an effective solution for fodder scarcity and is very promising for sustainable livestock production in different regions of the world. Hydroponics fodder production involves growing of plants without soil for a short duration (5-10 day). In hydroponic fodder production system, it can be possible to grow 5-10kg of green fodder from 1kg seeds. The nutritional increase in crude protein, fibre, ether extract, vitamins and minerals were constantly observed in hydroponic fodder. However, there was a loss of 10-25% dry matter content depending on grain type and duration. The hydroponics fodder feeding improves milk yield and composition of a dairy cow through increased intake and digestibility of nutrients. However, more information is needed to confirm the benefit of hydroponic fodder feeding as part of ration for dairy cow.

Keywords: hydroponic fodder, nutrient composition, dairy cow, milk yield, milk composition

DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/9-8-01

Publication date: April 30^th 2019