Hydroponic Fodder in Broiler Nutrition: Effects on Economics of Production, Environmental Impacts, Productive Indices, and Health Status

The projected global population of 9.7 billion by 2050 will escalate the demand for animal protein, intensifying food insecurity. Broilers, being highly efficient in converting grains into protein-rich food, are crucial in meeting the ever-increasing demand for animal proteins. However, broiler production, especially in developing countries, is constrained by low quality and unavailability of conventional feed grains utilized in poultry production, resulting in high cost of poultry feed. As a result, several approaches have been explored to reduce feed cost and increase broiler productivity. One such innovative approach that has attracted global attention is Hydroponic Fodder (HDF) technology. This is a soil-less method of growing fodder in a water-based nutrient solution. Hydroponic systems produce about 8 kg of green fodder from one kilogram of grain within one week, compared with traditional soil-based farming. HDF production is highly efficient in terms of water saving and takes about 3-5% of the water used under field conditions to generate the same quantity of fodder. Hydroponics also increased the nutritional qualities of HDF when compared to the original seeds. Historical perspectives of the HDF production system, procedures for producing HDF, the effect of HDF on broiler productivity and economics of production, and its implications for the environment were also discussed. In conclusion, this review demonstrated the potential of HDF to improve growth performance, product quality, and physiological well-being of broilers at a reduced feed cost.