The procedure entails artificially inseminating Canadian Elk cows with semen, then flushing an average of 6 embryos per donor for later transplantation into Red deer. In the meantime, the embryos are frozen in liquid nitrogen. Since the prototype Fodder Factor commenced production, there have been no pest or disease problems experienced. Nonetheless, a strict sanitation program is implemented between plantings with each tray bathed in a mild chlorine solution. Twice a year the irrigation lines and components are thoroughly cleaned.
Oats have fewer enemies than any other grain crop.
Greenbug, a type of aphid, is an occasional pest in field crops, but it is easily controlled by a natural predator. Crown rust and septoria leaf blight are the two most common fungal disease which attack many field grain crops including oats, but these seem to be eliminated in the Fodder Factory by the low temperature and rapid crop rotations. Certified oat seeds are not used in the Fodder Factory. Although they have a higher germination rate, they contain toxins which are harmful to livestock. Other Applications Hydroponic fodder is nutritious and palatable and has been found to sunstantially increase milk yields in dairy cows, as well as improving the vigour and performance of racehorses and brood mares.