Forage Yield, Nutritive Value and in vitro Digestibility of Barley Green Fodder Germinated under Different Seed-Moistening Conditions in a Hydroponic System

Abstract

Optimizing hydroponic barley fodder production is essential for improving forage yield, nutritional value, and feed efficiency in sustainable livestock production systems. This study investigated the effects of different seed pre-moistening methods on the forage yield, feed value, and in vitro true digestibility (IVTD) of barley green fodder grown in a hydroponic system. Barley seeds (Hordeum vulgare L.; Finola variety) were used in this study. Five treatments were evaluated: soaking at room temperature for one day (ROD); soaking followed by refrigeration at +4 °C for one (+4OD) or three days (+4TD); and soaking followed by freezing at -18 °C for one (-18OD) or three days (-18TD). Plant height, fresh and dry fodder yield, chemical composition, cell wall components, energy values, IVTD, and forage quality indices were assessed. The results showed that ROD and +4OD treatments significantly improved early plant height, dry matter content, IVTD, relative feed value (RFV), and relative forage quality (RFQ), while reducing structural fiber contents. Conversely, the +4TD and freezing treatments (-18OD and -18TD) increased fiber and lignin content, leading to reduced digestibility and quality. Correlation analysis revealed that plant height and fresh yield were positively associated with neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), and cellulose (CEL), and negatively correlated with RFQ. These findings suggest that short duration moistening under ambient or mild cold conditions offers an effective strategy to enhance the yield and nutritional quality of barley green fodder in hydroponic systems. Further research is recommended to validate these findings through in vivo studies and to evaluate their practical implications for animal performance.