Livestock are important animals as they provide meat, milk and income. Feeding them on sprouted grains improves production and helps to control animals disease outbreak.
Furthermore a balanced feed should contain protein, energy, minerals and vitamins, however balanced feeds are expensive thus sprouted grains act as cheaper quality feed to animals hence reducing feeding costs. Additionally in hot weather grains take 16-18 hours to germinate and 24 hours under cold weather.
Step to sprouting
Start by purchasing healthy quality grains and conduct a germinability test to ensure even grain sprouting. Furthermore put the grains in a trough and add half or handful of salt so that mould does not grow on the sprouted grains. Then add clean lukewarm water, this helps the grains to sprout. Additionally remove seeds that float for even seed germination.
Thereafter soak the grains for 12 hours under shade and after 12 hours drain water, put grains in clean gunny/ cotton bag and close the to generate heat inside. Ensure to keep the bag under shade and when shoots are formed remove grains from the bag and feed animals.
Lastly, it is recommended to give half a kilogram of sprouted grains to each animal every day, 1 or 2 handful to goats twice a week and 1 handful to 10 chickens a day the animals fed on sprouted grains should be supplement with other feeds.
