Hydroponic farming system (HFS) is used to meet the roughage requirements of ruminants as an alternative method. In the system, forage production is achieved all over the year and germinated grains such as barley, wheat and oat, are used as fresh forage sources. In the present study, HFS, about which there are limited information, was discussed with its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the nutritive values of fresh forages produced in HFS system and also their using possibilities in animal nutrition were discussed. It was understood that HFS can be used for meeting forage requirements of ruminants if it runs effectively.

Sage, which belongs to Labiatae family and contains essential oils, is a typical Mediterranean plant. Being an important and one of the biggest species of this family, sage is said to be named being inspired by the word "Salveo" which means “saver” or “healer” in Latin. Salvia genus is represented by about 900 species on earth. There are 97 natural species of this genus in Turkey’s flora. There is dormancy in seeds of Salvia genus and having mucilage-like seed-coats is an inhibiting factor for germination. Seed germination studies of these species are of great importance in determining production strategies. This research is carried out at 25/15°C, 12 hours in light and 12 hours in dark environment to determine the effects of various germination applications (ethylene, gibberellin, PEG 8000, salicylic acid and seaweed) and pre-treatments (pre-drying, pre-cooling and untreated) in four species (S. fruticosa, S. officinalis, S. pomifera, S. tomentosa). These trials were conducted at the Department of Field Crops Laboratory of Adnan Menderes University according to completely randomized design with three factors with three replications. Important differences were observed about the germination rate and germination power among the species.

Sage, which belongs to Labiatae family and contains essential oils, is a typical Mediterranean plant. Being an important and one of the biggest species of this family, sage is said to be named being inspired by the word "Salveo" which means “saver” or “healer” in Latin. Salvia genus is represented by about 900 species on earth. There are 97 natural species of this genus in Turkey’s flora. There is dormancy in seeds of Salvia genus and having mucilage-like seed-coats is an inhibiting factor for germination. Seed germination studies of these species are of great importance in determining production strategies. This research is carried out at 25/15°C, 12 hours in light and 12 hours in dark environment to determine the effects of various germination applications (ethylene, gibberellin, PEG 8000, salicylic acid and seaweed) and pre-treatments (pre-drying, pre-cooling and untreated) in four species (S. fruticosa, S. officinalis, S. pomifera, S. tomentosa). These trials were conducted at the Department of Field Crops Laboratory of Adnan Menderes University according to completely randomized design with three factors with three replications. Important differences were observed about the germination rate and germination power among the species.

Hydroponic farming system (HFS) is used to meet the roughage requirements of ruminants as an alternative method. In the system, forage production is achieved all over the year and germinated grains such as barley, wheat and oat, are used as fresh forage sources. In the present study, HFS, about which there are limited information, was discussed with its advantages and disadvantages. Furthermore, the nutritive values of fresh forages produced in HFS system and also their using possibilities in animal nutrition were discussed. It was understood that HFS can be used for meeting forage requirements of ruminants if it runs effectively.