Ground barley is a better feed source than ground broomcorn. Whole grain barley is better still. This article also examines the effects of molasses on intake and feed efficiency. It provides important information for beef producers. The following information is provided by the Northern Agricultural Research Center.
Contents
Ground barley is superior to ground broomcorn
The use of ground barley is superior to ground broom corn in the fattening diet of cattle. While barley is superior in feed intake, it does not lower the rumen pH to below 6.0. Furthermore, barley contains more nutrients than wheat. Because of this, it can replace up to two-thirds of the corn in a finishing diet.
Barley comes in many varieties. Each cultivar has specific nutrient content and digestibility. Farmers can select the best varieties for specific livestock by knowing the characteristics of each cultivar. Different varieties have different starch content, and some are more digestible by poultry and ruminants than others.
The researchers also noted that both varieties were similar in terms of milk yield. However, steam-rolled barley was found to decrease total dry matter intake cubically. Interestingly, ground barley was comparable to corn in terms of carcass properties and incidence of digestive disorders.
Whole grain barley is more efficient than ground broomcorn
A recent study concluded that whole grain barley is more effective for fattening cattle than ground broomcorn. The results were consistent in both feeding tests and the animal’s health. Barley has a high protein content and is more digestible than ground broomcorn. Moreover, barley has a higher fiber content than wheat. The fiber content of barley feed should be at least 6%. However, barley feeds should be introduced slowly. Otherwise, there is a chance that the animal will develop acidosis or bloat.
Several studies have examined the effects of barley on the digestive efficiency of cattle fed with different combinations of barley and corn. According to these studies, barley is more digestible than corn, because it contains less starch. Moreover, barley grain contains more vitamins and minerals than corn. Corn does not have a high digestibility and may escape ruminal digestion. Regardless, corn-fed steers generally have better performance than barley-fed steers.
Barley is a popular grain crop, and has ancient origins. It is the fourth-most-produced cereal grain in the world and has numerous uses in feed, beverages, and food. It is a highly adaptable plant that grows well in temperate regions. Barley is less sensitive to drought and saline soils than other grain crops.
Effect of molasses on intake
Molasses is the main component of liquid feeds. It contributes about 60% of the total composition and has numerous nutritional and preservative properties. It also has a high osmotic potential. The high osmotic potential is important for determining the stability and shelf life of molasses. The chemical composition of molasses varies depending on the source of raw materials. The proportion of different byproducts is also different.
The mineral fraction of molasses is between 8 and 9%. Beet and cane molasses contain higher proportions of calcium and phosphorus. The amount of potassium salt may account for up to one-third of the ash content. These differences in the mineral balance require careful consideration during feed formulation.
Moreover, molasses is also important for improving the rumen microbial activity. A moderate dose of molasses can increase the ruminal fermentation and reduce ammonia levels. This results in less urea in milk and less ammonia in the feces.
Effect of molasses on feed efficiency
High concentrations of molasses in feed may not be beneficial to cow health or performance. However, strategic supplementation with unprotected fat and nitrogen can increase the efficiency of molasses feeding. To test this hypothesis, three replicated 3 x 3 Latin-square design experiments were conducted with lactating dairy cows. The experimental diets contained 125, 250, and 375 g/kg dry matter supplemented with molasses.
Barley is a good energy feed but is deficient in certain vitamins and minerals, including zinc, copper, iron, phosphorus, and lysine. In addition, barley is deficient in protein, and it is difficult to feed cattle without supplementing their diets with other ingredients. For this reason, it is important to improve the protein content in the feed.
The addition of molasses may improve feed efficiency for cattle fattening on barley. In addition to providing an improved taste, molasses can improve ruminant performance. The added fat may also promote calving. However, a higher proportion of molasses may reduce milk production, causing the animals to be less productive than those fed with pure barley.
