Korean Natural Farming (KNF) is revolutionizing the way farmers care for their animals and soil, and one of its key tools is Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB). LAB is a powerful probiotic that improves digestion in animals, enhances soil fertility, and even reduces odors in barns and pens. In this post, I’ll walk you through how to make LAB at home and how to use it effectively for your pigs and farm.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making LAB
What You’ll Need:
- 1 cup uncooked white rice
- 1 quart (4 cups) non-chlorinated water
- 1 quart whole milk (raw or pasteurized, but NOT ultra-pasteurized)
- A breathable cover (coffee filter, cloth, or paper towel)
- A jar or container (1-2 quarts)
- A strainer
Step 1: Capture Wild Microbes
- Rinse 1 cup of uncooked white rice with 4 cups of non-chlorinated water in a bowl. Swish it around for about a minute.
- Pour the milky rice water into a jar, discarding the rice.
- Cover the jar with a breathable lid (cloth, coffee filter, etc.) and secure with a rubber band.
- Let it sit at room temperature (65-75°F) for 3-7 days until you see bubbles and smell a slightly sour scent.
Step 2: Cultivate the Lactic Acid Bacteria
- Once the rice water has fermented, strain out any solids and pour the liquid into a clean jar.
- Add equal parts whole milk (e.g., 1 cup fermented rice water to 1 cup milk).
- Let it ferment at room temperature for 3-7 days until you see curds separating from the liquid.
Step 3: Collect the LAB Serum
- Strain out the solid curds (these can be fed to animals or composted).
- The remaining yellowish liquid is your LAB serum!
Step 4: Storing and Using LAB
- Storage: Keep the LAB serum in a jar in the fridge (lasts 6+ months). You can also extend its shelf life by mixing it with an equal amount of brown sugar or molasses.
How to Use LAB for Pigs and Soil
For Pigs (Digestive Health & Growth)
LAB is a fantastic probiotic for pigs, improving digestion, nutrient absorption, and overall health.
- In Drinking Water: Add 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water
- Fermenting Feed: Mix 1:1000 ratio (about 1 tsp per gallon of liquid) when fermenting grains or scraps
- Gut Health Boost: Helps prevent diarrhea, promotes weight gain, and increases feed efficiency
For Odor Control in Barns & Pens
LAB effectively reduces ammonia and manure odors by breaking down waste.
- Spray Solution: Dilute at 1:1000 ratio (1 tsp per gallon of water) and spray over bedding, manure piles, and pens
- Added to Manure Pits: Helps control odor and speeds up decomposition
For Soil & Pasture Health
LAB enhances microbial activity, improving soil structure and fertility.
- Soil Drench: Mix 1:1000 with water and apply to pastures or garden beds
- Compost Booster: Speeds up decomposition and enhances nutrient content
Why Use LAB?
✅ Improves pig gut health and feed efficiency
✅ Boosts beneficial microbes in soil
✅ Eliminates foul odors in barns and pens
✅ Ferments feed for better digestion
✅ Strengthens plant immunity against disease
By incorporating LAB into your pig-raising practices, you’re not only improving the health of your animals but also fostering a more sustainable, regenerative farm system. Let me know how it works for you, and feel free to reach out with any questions!
