Grain germination using hydroponics that was applied in the EIP project is a widely used method of soil-free cultivation in greenhouses with dosing either water or water with nutrient solutions as appropriate. The hydroponic system is installed in a room with controlled air temperature, humidity, and lighting with seed preparation equipment and five- to six-story shelving units arranged vertically for germination with an automated system for irrigation, dosing, and water collection. Sprouted grains, evenly distributed on the shelves, produce shoots within 7 days, which are then used to feed animals by mixing them with the conventional feed. The main advantages of this feed production method are that no soil is needed, and little water is required to grow the feed. The short feed production cycle allows for quick and flexible adaptation of feed production to changing needs. Successful feed production depends on the quality of germinated seeds, hygiene, and conditions during the production. <...>

The main activity of JSC Upytes Experimental Farm is a cultivation of agricultural products (cereals, flax and other crops), dairy farming, raising beef cattle, breeding heifers and calves. The farm has 823 cattle, including 298 dairy cows and 36 Charolais beef cattle. There are also Lithuanian Red, Swedish Red and Dairy Simmental breed cattle. There are 16 workers who take care of the cattle: 6 milkers and 10 auxiliary workers. In 2017, the company implemented the following technological innovations: herd and feeding management systems and a somatic cell counter. These innovations were chosen because it is very important for the farm to reduce production costs, use information more efficiently and timely, increase productivity, improve milk quality, animal health and profitability of the farm. <...>

Liquid and viscous feed dispenser connected to the milking robot helps to optimize and individualize animal feeding and prevent metabolic diseases. The individual dosing of feed ensures the cow's full daily ration, it also helps to prevent certain metabolic diseases, and protects the cow at the milking site from competitive fighting in the herd. Liquid and viscous feed dispenser was tested under natural production conditions by JSC Dotnuva Experimental Farm. The feed dispenser in a milking robot has been used in three milking parlors: one tank for liquid and viscous feeds with two separate dispensers for two milking sites, and one tank for liquid and viscous feeds with one dispenser for one milking site. The feed is automatically pumped from the tank into the dispenser. Dosing pumps are controlled by a computerized herd management system. <...>

Reproductive characteristics and productivity of fattening cattle increase as they receive accurately-dosed, pre-formulated feed. As the farm specializes in breeding of controlled and fattening bulls, it decided to invest in the process of feed preparation and distribution, and purchased feed cutting-mixing-dosing technology with an integrated weighing system (Feed Preparation System - FPS) to test it in production. Prior to this investment, the animals on the farm (average annual number of cattle up to 300) were fed manually (4 employees look after the cattle), so it was not possible to calculate the accurate amount of dispensed feed. The purchased FPS helped to optimize, control and, if necessary, quickly adjust the feeding. The data of farm production for 2016, 2017 and 2018 (before and after investment) confirm that FPS had a positive impact on weight and health of yearlings; the labor costs for preparing and distributing feed have reduced, and the costs of feed produced by farm itself has lowered. <...>

JSC ,,Šeduvos avininkystė“ specializes in keeping and selling of breeding sheep. In order to provide farmers with healthy breeding lambs and to reduce labor costs for maintaining breeding sheep, the company has purchased a modern technology line that meets animal welfare requirements and is used for preventive health care of sheep. The technological line includes: smart scales with computer data storage, a disinfection stall with a tub, an automatic sheep bonitization machine and a mobile reversible sheep hoof care tool. The purpose of this investment was to improve the sheep health and their hoof condition, as well as to assess the characteristics of a particular breed and the suitability of lambs for breeding (bonitization) more accurately. The implementation of this technology line did not cause any difficulties and the staff did not need any training. <...>