Fodder is a term used in reference to the feed cut, sometimes prepared, and brought to domesticated farm animals such as cows, goats and pigs. Some fodder is prepared using oils and mixed rations that are mixed in with several different types of sprouted grain and legumes such as alfalfa, clover, corn, and several different types of grass.
In the countries that allow it, fodder can also consist of animal origins such as ruminant meat and bone meal, typically found in cattle feed. The USDA, due to health concerns of “mad cow disease,” prohibits this inclusion in fodder.
There is a bit of controversy surrounding the growth of fodder crops. Massive crops of corn, oats and wheat consumed by humans, is sometimes grown specifically for animal feed. Some have suggested that instead of having large-scale crops for this purpose, that the use of sprouted grains and legumes would be more beneficial when grown in smaller scales, hydroponically.
Barley is one grain that when grown and processed in a controlled environment reaches peaks of about 6 inches tall, having a root length of 2 inches.
Image Caption: Various types of fodder. Credit: Paul Jörgengen – Universitetsbogtrykkeriet (J. H. Schultz A.-S.) / Wikipedia