Yes, barley can be used as a source of supplemental energy and protein for beef cattle. Barley is a cereal grain, grown primarily in the Upper Midwest and Northern Great Plains. The crude protein content of barley is typically 13 percent, which is greater than corn and similar to other major feed grains. The protein in barley is highly rumen degradable, which fits well in forage supplementation programs. The energy content (TDN, NEm, NEg) of barley is slightly lower than the energy value of corn and may be partially attributed to its higher fiber content (NDF, ADF). The standard test weight of barley is 48 pounds per bushel. Lighter test weights indicate the crop was stressed during the growing season. Light kernels contain a higher proportion of fiber and lower amounts of starch, which reduces the energy content and digestibility of the grain. Like other cereal grains, barley is high in phosphorus and low in calcium.
Barley has a thick, relatively indigestible hull, and whole barley is generally digested poorly. Consequently, barley should be processed prior to feeding. Dry rolling or cracking to produce coarsely processed grain works well. Grinding or hammer milling can result in greater levels of fines and increased likelihood of digestive upsets.
Deoxynivalenol (DON or vomitoxin) is a mycotoxin produced by Fusarium fungi in scab-infected grain. Barley containing DON is typically rejected by the malting industry for use in beer production, but research indicates this mycotoxin is generally not harmful to ruminants.
