Thaka.AiReviewed 16 October 2026 · schematic not to scale
Use one documented protocol at a time. A small rack is a local pilot; it is not a proven complete ration or a guaranteed increase in dry matter.
- 1Weighed clean crop / seed
- 2Preparation under one documented protocol
- 3Labelled growth trays or sealed silage
- 4Inspection, dry-matter test and feeding advice
Site and operating requirements
- Start with one labelled small batch. Confirm clean input water, crop identity, hygiene, species-specific feed advice and a disposal plan.
- Measure dry matter and all water, energy, labour and discard costs; fresh weight alone does not prove feed gain.
Tools and measuring equipment
- Scale, dated labels, thermometer, clean sampling tools, water/energy records and laboratory feed analysis; pH/moisture equipment where the crop requires it.
Output and operating conditions
Weigh seed input, usable harvest and laboratory dry matter. Fresh weight rises partly through absorbed water.
TANUVAS / Indian Farming 70(2), 2020, pp15–16. The separate ICAR Goa tray and four-hour soak protocol is an alternative, not a compatible replacement step.Parts, quantities and dimensions
| Part | Quantity | Specification / dimensions |
|---|---|---|
| Clean grain and draining trays | 1 kg dry grain/tray | TANUVAS protocol; record tray size and cleanable surface. Use sound untreated feed-suitable maize. |
| Rack and irrigation | pilot sized | Published machine: 8 rows × 6 trays, mist lines, pump, reservoir, timer, shade cloth and ventilation. Size a pilot around actual trays and drainage. |
| Batch monitoring | 1 set | Scales, thermometer, water meter, labels, cleaning tools and a laboratory dry-matter test. |
Preparation and component checks
- Read the complete linked method, mark its edition, and create a measured component list and a labelled sketch before starting. Keep experimental changes separate from the published procedure.
- Prepare the work area and inspect every component. Run the lowest-risk dry or unpowered check before water, heat, moving parts or crop material are introduced.
Procedure
- 1
Select sound well-dried grain and remove dust/chaff; the source day-zero preparation includes 12 hours of sun drying. Weigh each tray’s seed batch and label its start date.
- 2
For this TANUVAS protocol, wash and soak for 20 hours, then drain and germinate in a damp clean gunny bag for 20 hours.
- 3
Spread on cleaned draining trays. Place the newest batch on the lowest row of the documented rack.
- 4
The published timer example mists one minute each hour from 06:00 to 19:00. Check moisture and drainage locally; do not leave trays waterlogged.
- 5
Move trays upward one row daily and inspect each batch. The source harvests from row eight; its full calendar includes preparation and reaches day eleven.
- 6
Reject contaminated batches. Weigh usable harvest, sample dry matter, clean trays and record water, cooling and pump energy before repeating.
Safety and inspection
Hot humid conditions increase mould risk. Do not feed spoiled material. Obtain species-specific ration and hygiene advice; sprouted fodder is not a universal replacement for roughage or concentrates.
Verify the result
Dry-matter recovery = harvest fresh kg × harvest DM fraction ÷ seed dry-matter kg × 100. Include discarded batches and all costs; use the farm worksheet in the solutions library.
Measurement log
- Batch ID/date, seed/crop mass and dry matter, usable harvest, rejected material, water L, electricity kWh, labour time, all costs and laboratory results.
Maintenance and repeat checks
- Inspect and clean after each trial following the source method. Record wear, contamination, leaks or loose components; do not restart until the cause is corrected.
- Use the source’s service intervals and replacement limits. Recheck the result whenever a component, material, input condition or method changes.
Troubleshooting
- Mould, unusual deterioration or inconsistent batches
- Reject the affected material; inspect seed quality, hygiene, drainage, temperature and storage seals. Correct and repeat a small batch with an advisor.