Meaning of Fodder

Hmmm….. button looked interesting………..

So what the heck is Fodder?

First of all, if you have to ask, you probably don’t need it.

* Merriam-Webster dictionary defines Fodder as 1: something fed to domestic animals; especially coarse food for cattle, horses, goats, pigs or sheep. In general, “Fodder” refers to plants or grains that have been harvested or cut, sometimes dried, and then delivered to the animals. 

On the other hand, plants the animal harvests himself (such as pasture grass) is called "Forage". When you are out on a roadtrip, taking the scenic backroads instead of the Interstate, you have probably seen acres and acres of grassy pastureland. When you see domestic animals like cows or horses grazing, it is called Forage.

If you happen to see ranchers pushing bales of hay off of a flatbed truck for the livestock, well then it becomes Fodder.

There are many types of fodder you can use to feed your animals, including hay, straw, silage, compressed and pelleted feeds, oils and mixed rations, and sprouted grains and legumes (such as bean sprouts or malt). 

This section of our website discusses the meaning of fodder but also focuses on Hydroponic Fodder (sprouted grains) as a great feeding option for the small rancher, hobby farm or homestead.

Click here to read all about different types of Fodder Crops 

Click here to read about our FodderPro Hydroponic Feed Systems 

* {Source: www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/fodder}