Growing Microgreens for Animal Fodder

Growing microgreens for animal fodder, particularly for chickens, is an innovative and sustainable approach to high-quality livestock nutrition. This method, often called fodder sprouting or container growing, allows farmers and homesteaders to produce fresh, nutrient-dense feed all year-round, regardless of outdoor growing conditions.

Traditional animal fodder options like hay, silage, and conventional grains each have their place in animal nutrition, but microgreens offer several unique advantages that make them particularly valuable for modern farming operations.

Nutritional Density

When seeds germinate and develop into microgreens, they undergo a remarkable transformation that significantly increases their nutritional value. For example, sprouted barley can contain up to 3-4 times the protein content of the original grain. This process also activates enzymes that make nutrients more bioavailable to animals. Traditional dry feeds and hay tend to lose nutritional value over time during storage, and their nutrients are often less accessible to animals due to their complex plant structure.

Space Efficiency

Vertical growing systems allow producers to generate substantial amounts of feed in a fraction of the space required for traditional fodder production. Consider that a typical acre of barley might yield 2-3 tons of grain annually, requiring months of growth and significant land management. A well-designed microgreen fodder system can produce equivalent feed value in just 9 to 18 square meters of indoor space, operating year-round regardless of weather conditions.

Water Usage

While traditional fodder crops require extensive irrigation throughout their growing season, microgreen production uses water remarkably efficiently. A conventional barley field might require 50 to 63 centimeters of water per growing season. Microgreen fodder systems typically use 90% less water per kilogram of feed produced and precision irrigation systems optimize water usage by delivering exactly what the growing microgreens need without waste.

Production Timeline

Traditional forage crops typically require months to reach maturity - hay fields need 60-75 days between cuttings, while grain crops need an entire growing season. Microgreens, however, transform from seed to nutritious feed in just 7-10 days when grown in optimal conditions using controlled environment systems. This rapid turnover allows for consistent, year-round production and better inventory management.

Cost Considerations

While the initial setup costs for a microgreen fodder system may be higher than traditional grazing or hay production, the long-term economics often favor microgreen production over the long term. Commercial-grade equipment ensures durability and reliability, while the efficiency in converting seeds to feed (typically 6-8 times weight increase) provides excellent return on investment. Additionally, consistent indoor production eliminates many of the risks associated with traditional fodder production, such as crop failure due to weather events or pest problems.

Essential Equipment and Setup

To ensure success in your fodder growing operation, proper equipment is crucial. Bootstrap Farmer offers a comprehensive selection of growing supplies specifically designed for fodder production. The foundation of any successful system starts with the right microgreen trays, which should have enough drainage for fodder production. Our trays are significantly more durable than standard alternatives, often lasting through several years of continuous use.

For optimal results, we recommend setting up a dedicated growing area with proper environmental controls. Shelving systems provide ideal support for multiple growing trays while maximizing vertical space usage.

Step-by-Step Growing Process

Preparation Phase

Begin by measuring your seeds according to tray size. For a standard 1020 tray, use approximately 180 grams of barley or wheat seeds, or 200 grams of pea seeds. Soak the seeds in clean water for 8-12 hours using soaking containers, which are designed with proper aeration in mind. During warmer months, consider using slightly cooler water (around 18°C) to prevent premature sprouting.

Sanitization and Setup

Thoroughly clean your growing trays using a food-grade sanitizer. This step is crucial for preventing mold growth and ensuring healthy fodder production. Place the sanitized trays on your shelving system, ensuring they're level to promote even water distribution.

Initial Seeding

Drain the soaked seeds and spread them evenly across the bottom of your sanitized growing trays. The seeds should form a single layer, roughly 1.3 centimeters thick. Bootstrap Farmer's trays feature optimal depth measurements, making it easy to achieve consistent seed density. Cover the seeds with a lightweight humidity dome for the first 24-48 hours to maintain optimal moisture levels.

Irrigation Schedule

Implement a regular watering schedule, typically irrigating 3-4 times daily for about 2 minutes each session. Automated irrigation systems can greatly simplify this process, ensuring consistent moisture levels while reducing labor requirements. The water should be clean and, ideally, filtered to remove chlorine and other potential contaminants.

Growth Management

Over the next 7-10 days, you'll observe rapid growth of your fodder mat. The root systems will interweave, creating a dense mat that holds together well. Monitor for any signs of mold or unusual odors, which might indicate the need for adjustments to your watering schedule or ventilation system.

Harvesting and Feeding

Harvest your fodder when it reaches 2.5 to 7.5 centimeters in height, typically around 5-10 days. The entire mat should lift easily from your tray. Feed the fodder to your chickens or other livestock within 24 hours of harvesting to ensure maximum nutritional benefit. Most chickens will consume both the green growth and the root mat, maximizing the feed value.

Production Planning and Scaling

To maintain a consistent supply of fresh fodder, implement a staggered growing schedule. Start new trays daily or every other day, depending on your flock's size and consumption rates. A typical laying hen consumes about 110 to 230 grams of fresh fodder daily when offered as a supplement to their regular feed.

Complete growing systems can be easily scaled to match your production needs. Modular shelving systems allow for vertical expansion, maximizing space efficiency while maintaining easy access for maintenance and harvesting.

Top types of fodder to grow for chickens

1. Barley
2. Oats
3. Millet
4. Soybeans
5. Wheat
6. Buckwheat
7. Alfalfa
8. White Clover
9. Winter Rye
10. Field Peas

Economic Benefits

Growing your own fodder can significantly reduce feed costs while improving animal health and productivity. When using premium seeds, you can expect a conversion rate of approximately 450g of dry seed yielding 2.7kg to  3.6kg pounds of fresh fodder. This exceptional return on investment, combined with the reduced need for commercial feeds, makes fodder production an economically sound choice for most operations. Success in fodder production relies heavily on consistency and attention to detail.

Bootstrap Farmer's complete line of growing supplies provides the reliable foundation needed for consistent, high-quality fodder production.