FERMENTED FEEDS...anyone using them?

[Molpet]

It should stay completely covered with water until you use it or it will start to mold

Most of us used to ferment this way. But most of us no longer keep it covered in water and have to drain. I have been not keeping it covered with water since 2016... No issues

 

[RebeccaRN]

Most of us used to ferment this way. But most of us no longer keep it covered in water and have to drain. I have been not keeping it covered with water since 2016... No issues

But then is it really lacto-fermented when you do it that way?

 

[Molpet]

But then is it really lacto-fermented when you do it that way?

Probably not, but draining 2 five gallon buckets a day took too much time and it's a pain. I haven't noticed a difference in health, feed consumption or poop smell between the two types of fermentation. This is the type I do.
https://tikktok.wordpress.com/2014/04/13/fermented-feed-faq/

 

[centralcaligirl]

But then is it really lacto-fermented when you do it that way?

It's not necessary to keep it covered in water for fermentation to occur. Sourdough bread being a good example. It's fairly dry, just kind of tacky, but still ferments.

 

[Kusanar]

But then is it really lacto-fermented when you do it that way?

Even if you keep it covered in water you get the same white yeast floating on top that looks like mold if you don't have it covered.

 

[RebeccaRN]

Even if you keep it covered in water you get the same white yeast floating on top that looks like mold if you don't have it covered.

But if it's not covered in water is it still fermenting is my question

 

[RebeccaRN]

It's not necessary to keep it covered in water for fermentation to occur. Sourdough bread being a good example. It's fairly dry, just kind of tacky, but still ferments.

Everything I've read about it says to keep it covered at least 1in over the grain with water

 

[Kusanar]

But if it's not covered in water is it still fermenting is my question

Yep, it will still ferment.

 

[JaeG]

Everything I've read about it says to keep it covered at least 1in over the grain with water

Mine still bubbles away even though I add just enough water to make it an oatmeal consistency. I just feed out what I need to, add more feed and water to the same container and it's ready in 24 hours.

 

[centralcaligirl]

Everything I've read about it says to keep it covered at least 1in over the grain with water

Here is a picture of my fermented feed. Notice the air pockets that have formed throughout the feed due to the action of the yeast. It's moist throughout but there isn't a layer of water on top. It ferments beautifully. I don't think it's wrong to have a layer of water on top, but it's definitely optional, not essential. If you prefer to do it that way it's perfectly fine.

Here it is poured out (the picture on the left). No excess water to be drained. I've been doing it this way for about three years.