Feed Barley

Ideal as a ruminant feed, with a protein level varying between 6 and 14%, but on average 11 -12%. Ruminants benefit from it being high in energy, in the form of starch, making it highly fermentable, encouraging milk protein and fast growth. A small proportion (approx 10%) of barley can bypass the rumen unfermented but, as with all cereals, the protein is of average quality being particularly deficient in lysine. Barley is ideal to complement forages but needs careful mineral / vitamin balancing, particularly treated grains. It is especially low in Vitamin A, D, E and calcium. Processing of moist grains with propionic acid reduces Vit E content further.

Typical Analysis

Analysis Glossary

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Limits to Usage

Ruminants may suffer acidosis (drop in rumen PH) and / or bloat if fed high levels in a feed. Lambs may produce soft fat in their carcass if dietary inclusion is excessive. Total feed intakes will be reduced if fed finely ground.

Storage / Processing

Stores well at moisture levels below 13%. Normally processed by rolling, grinding, flaking or micronisation, which improves the digestibility. Sheep can digest whole barley grain. High inclusion rates will affect compound pellet quality and greater than 70% barley will not pellet easily. It is often treated with propionic acid to preserve it, if high in moisture.