Have you ever given your livestock corn feed? Or are you just hearing about it right now? Maize fodder is one of the animal feeds derived from maize. Maize is one of the most important cereal crops in several countries. If you want to know more about maize, read more here.
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Understanding in Detail What Corn Fodder Is
Before getting to know much about maize fodder, you should know in advance what maize is. Maize is one of the cereal crops that can be grown in summer, rain, and early winter in certain countries.
This plant requires warm temperatures to grow and develop properly. It would be even better if these plants were in alluvial soil media. In general, a good soil pH for the growth and development of this cereal plant ranges from 5.5-7.5.
In certain areas, planting maize seeds is done by paying attention to the time or month. For example, in the lowlands, maize seeds are planted in mid-March-September. As for hilly areas, maize seeds are planted from May to June. Maize that is ready to be used as feed usually has an age of 60 to 70 days. But for grain production, it will take 90 to 110 days.
This plant produces animal feed with protein content in it reaching 8-10%. However, corn yields are still inferior to sorghum. In contrast, sorghum is a superior variety that has better content. It is better to harvest this plant before it is ripe. Because if it is ripe, the stem of the plant will harden even more. Even harder than straw.
What is a Hydroponic Fodder?
Apart from knowing maize, you also need to know about hydroponic fodder. Because this time, we will detail hydroponic maize fodder. Have you ever heard of the word hydroponics before? Yes, this planting method does not use soil. Although previously discussed the best soil pH for growing maize, this time, let’s put that aside first.
Then use what media to plant this plant? Namely with a little water in a fairly short period. For other types of plants, planting in a hydroponic way only takes 6 to 7 days. In addition, another requirement for applying this method is that the seeds have sprouted and the seedlings are between 30-35 cm high.
The Process
The first step to take is to soak the seeds in water. The soaking time ranges from 4-24 hours. Soaking time will vary, depending on the type of seed to be used. However, for maize seeds, soaking is sufficient for 4 hours. After the soaking process is complete, the seeds are then dried and placed on the planting medium of each seed. Usually, the planting medium is in a greenhouse to protect maize plants.
Seed growth rates vary depending on the quality of the seeds sown. Hydroponic maize fodder itself can achieve growth at rates ranging from 6.4 to 7.6 kg/m2. You need to pay attention to planting seeds. Try to give the distance between the seeds. Because if it is too tight, it will affect the growth of animal feed.
The process of seeds becoming sprouts varies, depending on the seeds you use. However, in this context, the maize seeds will start to germinate on the 2nd day. Then on the 3rd day, the roots can be seen coming out of the sprouts. To get maximum results, don’t forget to always keep the greenhouse clean or the place where you plant this plant.
Maintaining the plant environment is important. Because we have to remember that greenhouses are very prone to microbial contamination because the humidity level in the room is high. The corn seed growth process will be left for approximately seven days. After that, maize fodder can be given to dairy animals, such as cows.
Hydroponic Corn Fodder’s Nutritional Value
Corn forage feed is given to livestock, not without reason. This forage is rich in nutrients and nutrients. In addition, corn forage is a good source of carbohydrates for livestock. Corn forage feed is also very suitable if used as silage. Precisely will be profitable for breeders who live in areas with uncertain climates.
Maize feed contains 8 to 10% protein. Contains at least 13.6% protein. Greater than dry feed, which only contains 10.7% protein. Corn kernels are no less important because they contain trypsin inhibitors. The crude fiber contained in maize feed is 14.1%. Meanwhile, the dry feed has 25.9% crude fiber. This shows that maize feed is better than dry feed.
That is an explanation of hydroponic maize fodder for livestock. Although it looks profitable, there are some disadvantages to this feed. Among them is the susceptibility of plants to fungi and bacteria because the corn planting environment is humid environment. In addition, the media for planting seeds with a hydroponic system costs more than planting in soil media. But it won’t hurt for you to try it.