PART ONE
We have further simplified the description and made it reflect the real environment of a Tanzanian livestock farmer.
It is a method of growing plants using a mixture of mineral nutrients in water without the use of soil. This process takes 6 to 9 days to complete.
One kilogram of seeds produces an average of 6 to ten kilograms of leaves and roots.
Benefits of this Technology
i. Pasture is produced in a short time in a small area. For example, an area of 4X3 meters can produce pasture equivalent to 2 acres.
ii. This food is completely edible for livestock. They eat all the leaves including the roots. There is no food waste.
iii. Water requirements are low and water can be reused over and over again.
iv. Its operating costs are low; there are no land preparation, weeding and harvesting costs.
v. Very low probability of pests or diseases attacking.
i. This food is soft so its absorption in livestock is high so a large part is used in the livestock’s body and production.
ii. Livestock production should be improved and adapted to market needs. Example:
Chicken eggs have a more yellow yolk when they eat leaves.
Milk contains a good balance of Omega 3 and Omega 6 amino acids which build strong health in the consumer.
iii. Reduces food costs and thus increases profits.
iv. Many nutrients, especially vitamins, which contribute to the health of livestock, are required.
v. When fed in combination with other foods in the proportions we will provide below, livestock production and growth are better.
Basic equipment
A place/room for growing.
Columns and poles for making a grid for arranging trays.
Three plastic/aluminum hooks.
Chlorine-based disinfectant (such as Waterguard) or JIK to kill germs in water and seeds.
Nutrients: some use crop boosters (make sure they are not harmful to livestock).
Pump (sprayer) to spray water.
Seeds.
Usable seeds
Barley, corn, wheat, millet and many other grains.
PART TWO
FORAGE PRODUCTION USING HYDROPONIC TECHNOLOGY
PART TWO
STEP BY STEP IN HYDROPONIC PRODUCTION
By following these steps, you can even produce your own feed at home.
1. Choose seeds that have not started to sprout, and do not contain any chemicals or pesticides.
2. Soak the seeds in a mixture of water and chlorine for two hours to prevent mold/rot or disease pathogens from growing and developing.
3. Remove the seeds from the water, wash them, then soak them in clean water for 24 hours to allow the seeds to absorb water well.
4. When planting seeds, measure two kilograms of seeds for each tray measuring 80 cm long by 40 cm wide.
5. Distribute the seeds evenly in the tray (no more than 3 cm in height) so that there is enough space for each seed to sprout (germinate).
6. Make sure the trays have holes in the bottom (bottom) that are evenly spaced to allow excess water to drain.
7. Move the trays to the holes you made. The seeds will start to germinate at this stage. Do this on the first day.
8. Spray water (with a pump) from the first to the sixth day, four times every 24 hours.
NOTE.
Seeds containing any pesticides or poisons are dangerous to animals. They can weaken or kill them. Make sure you do not use pesticides.
How to feed
Chickens: for 100 layer chickens, give them 8 kg of hydroponics and add 4 kg of layer mash per day.
Pigs: during fattening, feed 2 kg of hydroponics and 1.5 kg of dry food (grain) per pig per day.
Cows, goats: they can rely on these grasses alone and have good production without the addition of grain mixtures. If milk production is very high (more than 12 liters per day) it is better to supplement them with grains.
Rabbits: They can rely on these leaves alone but it is best to give them a supplement of a grain mixture (at least in a 50% ratio).
NUTRIENTS: Some of you asked about fertilizers. Fertilizers are scarce and expensive. According to the research we conducted, plant BOOSTER, especially those containing NPK, can be used as a substitute for nutrients. As we explained in the first part, the booster should be mixed with water before watering.
You can use a sieve to grow hydroponics, but it is expensive because the sieve rots quickly due to constant humidity, so it is important to buy trays that will last forever.
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