The Subtle Differences Between Fodder and Forage

Farmers who own livestock have two different categories of livestock feed from which to choose: fodder and forage. The choice depends on several factors including land availability, cost, and animals to be fed. First, farmers should learn the differences between fodder and forage crops.

Forage crops are crops on which animals graze independently, or crops that have purposes other than animal feed. Grasses and legumes make up the two broad sources of forage livestock feed. Grazing livestock like cows and horses do well with forage crops. Forge crops also can aid in land conservation, reduce weed population, and prevent soil erosion among other benefits. Some common forage crops include alfalfa, hurricane grass, and foxtail grass. These types of crops require a bit more maintenance at start-up before the plant stand becomes established. Specifically, regular application of nitrogen and manure ensures the grasses get all the nutrients they need to grow. If the soil pH goes below 6.5, applying lime lowers its acidity, according to the Pennsylvania Nutrient Management Program. Testing the soil’s pH levels regularly is a necessity.

Fodder crops, on the other hand, include crops intended specifically to serve as livestock feed and enable the livestock owner to regulate the animals’ food intake. These include some grasses, but mostly cereal crops like oats, corn, and wheat. Alfalfa is another common fodder crop usually used to feed horses. Generally, fodder crops work best as livestock feed for smaller animals like goats, pigs and poultry. One of the main advantages of fodder crops is their ability to survive with less water, making them work well for drought conditions or relatively arid environments. However, cereal crops are prone to develop mold if not properly maintained. Prior to planting, the seeds, wash and rinse them thoroughly with cold water to remove spores. Give the plants plenty of room to grow by using growing trays or other containers. Smaller farms without a lot of open space would do best to grow fodder crops where possible. Larger farms can grow forage crops.

Forage crops and fodder crops serve the same purpose, but thrive in different environments and require different levels of care to keep them prosperous. For those with larger growing areas, forage crops can prove ideal. For those with smaller farms and who want to closely monitor food intake, fodder crops work better.