Although generally considered an energy source (with an energy feed value of 90% of Corn), Feed Barley has more protein than other cereals commonly used in ruminant diets.
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Starch is the major constituent of the barley kernel and its percentage is inversely related to protein content.  Expressed on a dry matter basis barley has 7.5 - 18% protein and a total digestible nutrient (TDN) value of 80 - 84%.  Protein content is influenced by soil fertility (higher soil nitrogen levels providing higher protein content) and climatic conditions.
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Feed Barley needs to be processed to be digested, often using rolling (dry or steam), flaking, grinding and pelleting.  Feed Barley is most commonly used in feed mixes for dairy and beef cattle, but should be gradually introduced in cattle diets due to its relatively rapid fermentation rate. 
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For pig feed, Feed Barley is mainly an energy source, and can be included in feed mixes targeted to all stages of growth.  For weaner pigs, Feed Barley in mash is more palatable than using Corn or Feed Wheat.
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For high-energy poultry feed mixes, Feed Barley has more limited use due to its lower Metabolizable Energy (ME) value compared to Corn or Feed Wheat.
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The nutritional value of Feed Barley in fish feed mixes is lower than for other cereal grains, due to factors including the presence of hulls and barley phosphorus as phytate.  However low-phytate varieties can be used in fish feed.
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A qualified animal nutritionist should be consulted for feed mix ratios for specific target growth stage and animal or fish species.
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Please contact us for specifications and pricing.
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