Producción de Forraje Verde Hidropónico y su Aceptación en Ganado Lechero

Abstract

This study presents a technique for producing hydroponic green forage (HGF), and its acceptance by dairy cattle. Production was carried out in a greenhouse with a capacity for 1 440 trays of 40 x 60 cm. The trays and barley seeds were disinfected, then wheat straw was mixed with oat grain and placed in the trays, which were placed inclined in vertical shelves. The trays were drip-watered for two minutes each two hours. After 8 days, 3,8 kg/tray of forage had been produced, at a cost per kg of $ 1,09. Lactating dairy cows were fed 4,5 kg of HGF mixed with other feeds, without any rejection problems. It was concluded that the technique used to produce HGF was adequate for a good production of fresh forage that would be accepted by dairy cattle.