Grass-based products encompass a wide range of forms, including bales, grass powder, grass pieces, and grass pellets. These products have established a well-developed industrial system in many foreign countries, supplying high-quality forage for livestock farming and significantly contributing to the growth of the animal husbandry sector. In China, the production of grass products is still in its early stages, but it is experiencing rapid growth. Notably, the export volume of hay bales has been steadily increasing, indicating a promising future for this industry.
Bale production is one of the most common methods of processing forage. Bales serve as the foundation for many other grass-based products. Over 80% of the grass products exported from the United States are in the form of hay bales. The process is relatively simple and cost-effective. It typically involves cutting the pasture, drying it naturally in the field, and then using a baler—either a pick-and-place model or manually transported to a factory—to create low-density bales. These are later compressed into high-density bales using a stationary baler. Key equipment involved includes mowers, tedders, and various types of balers.
Grass powder production primarily uses leguminous forages such as alfalfa, white clover, and others. The process involves chopping the dried grass and drying it with hot air, reducing the moisture content from around 80% to less than 1%. This dehydration can take anywhere from a few hours to just minutes, depending on the machine used. There are two main types of dryers: those with airflow ducts and those with drum systems. Grass powder has seen significant development globally. In the U.S., between 200,000 to 3 million tons of grass powder are used annually in compound feed, while Japan consumes about 2.2 million tons per year. In China, although grass powder currently makes up a small portion of compound feed, its production has grown rapidly in recent years due to the expansion of the feed industry.
To make feeding more efficient and reduce losses during transportation and storage, grass powder is often pressed into straw or pellets. During this process, antioxidants can be added to improve the stability and nutrient retention of the final product.
Feed bricks are another important form of grass-based feed. They combine protein sources, minerals, and corn flour with grass powder and are pressed into blocks. These bricks are especially useful during seasons when forage is scarce, such as winter and early spring. They help supplement the diet of livestock, support growth, and enhance milk production in female animals. There are various types of feed bricks available, each tailored to different livestock needs. Common examples include urea salt bricks, which mix urea, minerals, concentrates, salt, binders, and vitamins into grass powder, and salt bricks, which are made by adding corn flour, urea, and trace elements to the grass powder.
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