1. Chopping Method: The chopping method is one of the simplest ways to process green feed, especially for small-scale chicken farmers. By chopping fresh forage, it becomes easier for chickens to swallow and digest, making it a practical and effective feeding technique. This method is ideal when you want to quickly prepare feed without complicated equipment.
2. Drying Method: The drying method involves processing fresh forage such as grasses and leaves by crushing them before drying. This helps in preserving essential nutrients like crude fiber and vitamins, which are vital for a balanced diet for chickens. The best time to harvest green forage is from heading to flowering stage for grasses, early bloom to full bloom for legumes, and during autumn for leaves. Drying can be done naturally or through artificial methods.
Natural drying involves spreading the forage in open fields for 5 to 7 hours, allowing moisture to reduce to about 30-40%. After that, it should be moved to a dark area to continue drying until the moisture level drops to 16-17%, at which point it can be stored. When stacking, leave ventilation holes in the center to prevent mold and ensure even drying. In northern regions, hay moisture should not exceed 17%, while in southern areas, it should stay below 14% to avoid spoilage. For leafy greens, natural drying requires good ventilation and frequent turning to prevent overheating and sun damage. Once the moisture content falls below 12%, the material can be ground into powder. It’s best to store it in sealed nylon or plastic bags to maintain quality.
Artificial drying includes two main techniques: high-temperature and low-temperature drying. High-temperature drying is performed at temperatures between 800 to 1100°C for 3 to 5 seconds, reducing moisture from 60-85% down to 10-12%. Low-temperature drying, on the other hand, uses a more gentle approach—around 45 to 50°C over several hours to fully dry the feed. Both methods help preserve nutrients, with artificial drying offering better control over quality and storage.
Using artificial drying allows for timely harvesting, processing, and storage of green feed, helping to reduce mold and produce high-quality hay or hay powder. This method can retain up to 90-95% of the original nutrients, although carotene levels may decrease significantly. However, this process requires advanced technical knowledge, proper machinery, and higher costs. Despite these challenges, it remains an efficient option for those looking to maximize the nutritional value of their forage.
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