Factors affecting the feeding quality of barley for ruminants

Variation in the nutritive value of barley is well documented. Although bulk density is a convenient means of evaluating barley, it does not fully account for differences observed in animal performance from feeding different sources of barley. Recent data indicate that starch and (or) fiber content may be more reliable criteria for evaluating sources of barley. As progress has been made toward higher starch content and plumper barley, greater attention should be given to proper processing of barley before feeding. Improper processing might well negate potential improvements expected from higher-quality barley.