1. Chopping Method: The chopping method is one of the simplest ways to process green feed for small-scale chicken farming. By cutting the fresh forage into smaller pieces, it becomes easier for chickens to swallow and digest. This technique is especially useful when farmers have limited resources and want to make the most of locally available green feeds. It also helps in improving the overall nutrient absorption in chickens, making it a practical choice for backyard or small-scale poultry operations.
2. Drying Method: Drying is another effective way to preserve green forage for later use in chicken feed. After crushing the forage, it can be dried and used as a valuable source of crude fiber, vitamins, and other essential nutrients. The best time to harvest green forage is during the heading to flowering stage for grasses, early bloom to full bloom for legumes, and in autumn for leaves. Drying methods can be either natural or artificial, each with its own advantages and limitations.
Natural Drying: Natural drying involves spreading the forage in the field for 5 to 7 hours, allowing moisture to evaporate. Once the moisture content drops to 30% to 40%, the forage should be moved to a shaded area for further drying. When the moisture level reaches 16% to 17%, it is ready for storage. The hay can then be stacked or packaged. When stacking, it's important to leave ventilation holes in the center to prevent mold growth. In northern China, the moisture content of hay should not exceed 17%, while in southern regions, it should be kept below 14%. For leafy green feeds, natural drying should take place in well-ventilated areas, and the material should be turned regularly to avoid overheating or sun damage, which could degrade the quality. Once the moisture level falls below 12%, the forage can be ground into powder. It’s recommended to store the resulting product in sealed nylon or plastic bags to maintain freshness and nutritional value.
Artificial Drying: There are two main types of artificial drying: high-temperature and low-temperature drying. High-temperature drying involves using heat at 800–1100°C for 3–5 seconds, reducing the moisture content from 60% to 85% down to 10% to 12%. This method is fast but may affect some sensitive nutrients. On the other hand, low-temperature drying uses 45–50°C over several hours, preserving more of the original nutrients. Both methods allow for timely harvesting, processing, and storage of green feed, helping to reduce spoilage and improve the quality of the final product.
Artificial drying ensures that green forage can be harvested, dried, and processed into grass powder at any time, making it an ideal option for large-scale operations. It helps reduce the risk of mold and allows for the production of high-quality hay or hay powder, retaining up to 90%–95% of the original nutrients. However, this method requires careful control, advanced technology, and investment in equipment, making it more suitable for commercial farms rather than small-scale producers. Despite the higher costs, the benefits of consistent quality and long-term storage make artificial drying a valuable technique in modern poultry feeding systems.
Stud,Blind Standoff,Self Clinching Standoff,Thru-Hole Threaded Standoffs,Nut Standoff
Dongguan Tiloo Industrial Co., Ltd , https://www.sales-fastener.com