How much fodder to grow?

[Bubblingbrooks]

Since some of us are getting into growing root crops for our animals, I thought it would be interesting to discuss what kind and how much.

For us, we have 2 turkeys, 5 goats, 30 or so laying hens, 20 or so roos for the stew pot and 30 meat birds if we do them.
Plus us.

We are growing red mangels, yellow mangels, carrots, turnips, rutabagas and parsnips that we will share with the animals.
Make that, they will share with us, as they will eat the most

We will be limited this year, but I believe its possible we can grow sufficient next year for sure.

What would numbers look like on those particular crops?

 

[Wannabefree]

I have NO idea, but a interested in finding out as well.

 

[Shiloh Acres]

I'm afraid I don't know either. It would be nice if there were charts per animal where you could calculate that sort of thing?

I'd just love to FIND mantels, lol.

Good luck with your project. I'm trying hard to move in that direction too!

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

I'm afraid I don't know either. It would be nice if there were charts per animal where you could calculate that sort of thing?

I'd just love to FIND mantels, lol.

Good luck with your project. I'm trying hard to move in that direction too!

Baker Creek sells both kinds of mangel seeds

 

[Wannabefree]

80-90 pounds of feed per layer per year here
http://www.lionsgrip.com/feedinstruc.html

can't find anything definitive on goats

 

[freemotion]

Well, goats MUST have hay/pasture/browse, but the roots can replace the hay. An article on sheep says 3-5 lbs per day max of mangels and rutabagas. If you grow 'em big in Alaska, that could mean one root per animal per day.

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

Well, goats MUST have hay/pasture/browse, but the roots can replace the hay. An article on sheep says 3-5 lbs per day max of mangels and rutabagas. If you grow 'em big in Alaska, that could mean one root per animal per day.

I am more interested in reducing the barley

 

[Wifezilla]

I am still using stuff I grow as a supplement. Not enough room to totally grow all the critter's feed. I am growing seeds. Sunflower, amaranth, and quinoa. Plus I plant a lot of greens and squash.

 

[old fashioned]

I am more interested in reducing the barley

Why do you want to reduce the barley? Is there something wrong in feeding barley? Or are you trying to lower your costs for feed by reducing the barley? I'm curious since I'm trying to grow enough grains & stuff, including barley to produce all our own feed so I don't have to buy it. (okay, maybe not ALL the feed, but atleast make a good dent in the costs)

 

[Bubblingbrooks]

I am more interested in reducing the barley

Why do you want to reduce the barley? Is there something wrong in feeding barley? Or are you trying to lower your costs for feed by reducing the barley? I'm curious since I'm trying to grow enough grains & stuff, including barley to produce all our own feed so I don't have to buy it. (okay, maybe not ALL the feed, but atleast make a good dent in the costs)

Food for thought http://nourishedmagazine.com.au/blog/articles/why-not-to-eat-grain-fed-meat