A Publication of the University of Vermont Extension Northwest Crops and Soils Program INCREASING HIGH QUALITY HOMEGROWN FEEDS FOR THE ORGANIC DAIRY FACT SHEET SERIES Literature Review: Hydroponically Sprouted Grains Systems on Organic Dairy Farms

In this study aimed that the effects of different harvesting times on the nutritional value of barley fodder producing in hydroponic system. Barley fodders were harvested on the 4th, 7th, 10th and 13th days following sowing date. Analysis performed for determining the chemical composition and organic matter digestibility (OMD) and ME content with in vitro gas production technique. It was determined that the DM content was decreased, the CP content was not changed significantly, cell wall contents (NDF, ADF, ADL) and ash content were increased by the maturation of the sprouts. In this study DM, ADF and ash contents were changed significantly (P<0.05). It was obtained that 96 hours cumulative gas production, OMD and ME contents were decreased by the increasing number of harvesting time but the variations were not significant (P>0.05). According to the results, suitable harvesting date was 7th day following the sowing in term of nutritional value of the fodder. The authors expect climate change to negatively affect pasture production because of lack in rainfall in Turkey and therefore look at fodder systems as a way to maximize water efficiency in forage production (suggest that water use in fodder is 2 to 3% lower than field). They cite pro: “bio-chemical reactions [that] occur in seeds” and con: dry matter loss and high moisture content of fodder. Their system uses 75 F, 3000 lux light, irrigation 4x/day at 50 litres (13 gallons) per day. Used Slodoran barley variety at 0.416 kg (0.92 #) per tray. Study looked at harvest dates on nutritional value – harvested on day 4, 7, 10, and 13. Decrease in DM but no significant changes in CP. Ash content increased over time. Did see a numerical drop in