In the cold winter of the Hebei Dingxing West White Goose Farm, a group of white geese eagerly compete for a special scented feed. Just 60 to 70 kilometers away, at a sheep farm, the same feed has been used, and the usual strong odors typically found in livestock areas are barely noticeable. The lamb raised here is becoming increasingly popular among consumers.
This was my first-hand experience during an on-site interview. These two locations are demonstration bases for straw (grass) microbial multifunctional compound bacteria fermentation feed technology developed by Hebei Agricultural University.
"The use of straw can bring profit, while its abandonment causes harm," said Professor Zhu Baocheng from Hebei Agricultural University, who has deeply studied this issue. After harvest, leftover straw is often burned, causing severe air pollution nationwide, despite repeated bans. Meanwhile, China's animal husbandry faces challenges between food production and feed supply. "If we could convert one-third of the country's straw into feed, it would save 50 million tons of grain feed, significantly reducing the competition between food and feed."
It is estimated that feed accounts for 60% to 70% of pig farming costs in China, with similar figures for other ruminants. Therefore, effectively utilizing optimized straw for livestock can greatly reduce breeding costs.
Additionally, over 80% of China's mutton and more than 90% of beef come from agricultural regions. Using effective methods to process the abundant straw resources in these areas can expand the supply of high-quality feed for herbivorous animals.
According to Li Yutang, director of the Grassland Industry Committee of the China Society of Systems Engineering, there is a huge amount of unused biomass beyond just crop straw—such as peanut meal, melon residues, and even forest branches and grasslands. "With microbial fermentation, converting half of this into high-quality forage could have a significant impact on China's rural economy."
Li Yutang explained that the straw fermentation technology used here differs from traditional ammoniation methods. It uses high-density compound microbial agents to break down cellulose and lignin more effectively, transforming inorganic nitrogen and increasing volatile fatty acids, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. This results in a high-energy feed with up to 12% protein.
"This strain is rare internationally, and its factory production opens the door for large-scale application," Li noted.
Chen Gu, general manager of Bailu International Grass (Beijing) Co., Ltd., called the technology "revolutionary." Academician Chen Wenxin from the Chinese Academy of Sciences also praised its innovative approach and potential economic, social, and ecological benefits.
However, despite its promise, the technology has not yet received adequate policy support or inclusion in official promotion lists. While some educational projects have provided funding, the Development and Reform Commission and agricultural departments have not paid enough attention.
Recently, the Grassland Industry Committee organized an evaluation of the technology in Hebei, drawing interest from many entrepreneurs. Zhu Baocheng demonstrated how easy it is to test the technology: "Fermenting a few tons of straw feed for a month will show the results."
Xu Hongying, a former foreign trade professional from Tianjin, expressed strong interest. She suggested, "This technology should be identified and promoted by the Ministry of Agriculture, with proper mechanisms and planning in place."
Li Yutang believes the technology needs national-level strategic support. "It can increase grain production, develop animal husbandry, and reduce pollution while boosting farmers' income. If pilot tests prove successful, it must be supported through policy and research, becoming a key national initiative."
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