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111628M
Revision date: 09.25.18
111628M Quick Start Guide: Growing Tips
General Growing Tips
Despite the factors that must be addressed before you begin using your
fodder system, these general tips will help you get started:
•
Water Quality:
Clean water is a must. If you can’t drink it, don’t use it. If
you are not sure about the water quality, have it tested.
•
Water Temperature:
Keep the water temperature constant and in the
range suitable for the seed or grain you are using.
•
Quality of the Seed or Grain:
While it may cost slightly more, good
quality, clean grain or seed will save time. You won’t have to clean the
grain, or worry about foreign objects growing in the fodder that might
pose a danger to your animals if eaten.
•
Climate Control:
A properly maintained environment is a must. Ensure
you have controls in place to automatically control temperature and
humidity. Additionally, do not rely solely on automatic equipment;
ensure you are physically monitoring the environment daily and make
adjustments if needed.
•
Keep the System Clean:
Follow the cleaning guidelines presented in
this guide.
General Guidelines to Promote Optimal Growth
Water Temperature
60° F (minimum) to 75° F (maximum)
pH Level
6.2 - 6.4 (range)
Humidity
40% to 80% (Best in most cases is 60%.)
Ideal Temperature Range
63° F to 75° F
*INDIVIDUAL RESULTS MAY VARY.
Estimated Feeding Capacity
ANIMAL BODY WEIGHT
DAILY FEEDING CAPACITY (# OF HEAD)
1,400 lbs
1 - 2
800 lbs
3 - 4
500 lbs
5 - 6
200 lbs
14 - 15
Poultry
575 - 625
Design Yield Test Using Barley Seed*
The 111628M FodderPro 2.0 Micro System is designed to harvest two (2)
6' GT80 premium channels per day.
Trial was conducted using barley
grain.
(It is expected that results will vary when different seed is used.)
Consult the information that follows to help determine how best to use your
system to produce the fodder you will need.
1. Soak the Seed: Seeds were soaked overnight before they were added
to the channels and spread to the required uniform depth. For best
results, maximum soak time is 24 hours; minimum soak time is 12
hours. Begin with
4.25 to 4.5 pounds of barley seed
per channel.
(Note: Seed quality and growing conditions can affect germination rates,
yield results, and amount of seed required. Adjust quantity as needed.)
2. Preparation: To begin, seed was divided evenly and spread in two (2)
of the channels at a depth of approximately 1/4” with a 1–1 ½” space
between the seedbed and the ends of the channel. This allows room
for expansion as the seeds swell from the water and ultimate sprouting
of the seed mat. It's best to seed the channels all on one level to more
easily track.
After seeding the channels, turn on the water to the first level and begin
the cycling process. Monitor the channels to ensure the valves are
adjusted properly and to ensure the seed does not dry out. Adjust the
timer (number of cycles and cycle duration) and valves as needed.
3. Calculations: Preliminary trials produced approximately 5 lbs. of fodder
per one (1) foot of channel. This equals about 30 pounds of fodder
per
6' channel
. Estimated production can be up to 60 pounds of fodder per
two (2) channels per day. (Individual results may vary.)
4. Estimated Capacity: Using a typical diet of 2% of the animal’s body
weight for fodder, estimated feed capacities for the 111628M FodderPro
2.0 Micro System are shown in the table below.
