In the winter of Hebei's 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 farming base, the same feed has been used, and the usual strong farm odors have significantly diminished. The lamb produced here is now more in demand among consumers.
This was my firsthand experience during an on-site interview. These two locations are demonstration sites for the straw (grass) microbial multifunctional compound bacteria fermentation feed project led by Hebei Agricultural University.
"The straw is valuable when used, but harmful when discarded," says Zhu Baocheng, a professor at Hebei Agricultural University. After each harvest, leftover straw is often burned, causing severe air pollution nationwide and repeatedly banned. Meanwhile, China’s animal husbandry faces challenges between food production and feed costs. "If we could process one-third of the country's straw into feed, it would save 50 million tons of grain, greatly reducing the competition between food and feed."
Currently, feed accounts for 60% to 70% of pig farming costs in China, and similar figures apply to other ruminant animals. Utilizing optimized straw for livestock can significantly cut breeding expenses. Additionally, over 80% of mutton and more than 90% of beef in China comes from agricultural areas. By effectively treating the abundant straw resources, high-quality feed for herbivorous animals can be expanded.
Li Yutang, director of the Grassland Industry Committee of the China Society of Systems Engineering, emphasizes the importance of using straw and other agricultural byproducts. "Beyond crop straws, peanut meal, and other byproducts, branches from forests and grasses from pastures add up to over a billion tons. Using microbial fermentation, converting half of this into high-quality forage could revolutionize China’s rural economy."
The fermentation technology developed by Hebei Agricultural University differs from traditional methods like ammoniation. It uses high-density compound microbial agents to break down cellulose and lignin more effectively, increasing volatile fatty acids, probiotics, and digestive enzymes. This turns straw into high-energy feed with about 12% protein.
Li Yutang notes that the strain used is rare globally and has laid the groundwork for future industrialization. "This could be revolutionary," says Chen Gu, general manager of Bailu International Grass (Beijing) Co., Ltd. Academician Chen Wenxin of the Chinese Academy of Sciences also praised the technology for its economic, social, and ecological benefits.
Despite its potential, the technology lacks policy support and hasn't been included in official promotion lists. While some educational projects have supported it, the Development and Reform Commission and the agricultural sector have not yet paid sufficient attention.
Recently, the Grassland Industry Committee conducted a comprehensive evaluation of the straw multi-functional bacteria technology in Hebei, drawing interest from many entrepreneurs. During the visit, Zhu Baocheng demonstrated the effectiveness of the bacterial preparation, which was quickly taken by interested farmers.
Xu Hongying, a former foreign trade professional from Tianjin, expressed strong interest. She suggested the Ministry of Agriculture should identify and promote the technology systematically. Li Yutang believes national-level strategic support is essential. "If the pilot results are positive, it should be prioritized as a key national initiative. Government backing is crucial, as academic efforts alone are limited."
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