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Author: Karen Dupchak (Animal Nutritionist)
Animal Industry Branch - Manitoba Agriculture & Food
The release of a new variety, Falcon, is generating considerable interest in hulless
barley this spring. Falcon, a variety developed in Alberta, is not recommended
for growing in Manitoba because of its poor rust resistance. In spite of this,
it is expected that almost 40,000 acres of Falcon will be seeded in Manitoba this
year.
Hulless barley is a relatively new ingredient in Canada - commercially available
for only the last few years. In hulless barley, the hull is weakly attached
to the seed kernel and is removed during harvesting. The hull accounts for about
13% of the weight of the grain kernel and is composed mainly of fiber. Hulless
barley has an energy value similar to wheat and corn and a protein content similar
to wheat. It has, however, a better amino acid profile than wheat or barley
and because of this, has become a popular ingredient in Alberta hog rations.
Due to its higher energy and amino acid content, hulless barley is currently
commanding a $10 to $25/T premium over covered barley in Alberta. The higher
premium is being paid for a clean, consistent product with over 85% of the hulls
removed.
It is important that the amount of adhering hulls not be greater than 15% in
order to meet grade standards for hulless barley. This is needed for two reasons:
1. the feed industry needs to purchase a consistent product and 2. the energy
content decreases with a greater amount of adhering hulls.
In addition to its higher nutrient levels, hulless barley has an advantage
over covered barley in terms of transportation and storage. The higher density
(80 kg/hl versus 62 kg/hl) increases the amount that can be shipped in a truck,
rail car or ship, and the amount that can be put into a storage bin. Overall,
it has similar handling, storage and transportation characteristics to wheat.
Since hulless barley has its greatest potential value in swine and poultry
feeds, there has been limited work done on feeding it to cattle. It is assumed
that it can be fed like other grains. It should be rolled or coarse ground to
maximize particle size and minimize digestive upsets. Since the fibre content
of hulless barley is lower than that of covered barley, extra attention should
be paid to meeting the minimum fibre level in the diet (19% ADF). In some feeding
situations, for example with low fibre forages, hulless barley may precipitate
an acidosis problem.
Karen Dupchak
Animal Nutritionist, Animal Industry Branch
Manitoba Agriculture & Food
204-545 University Crescent
Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada R3T 5S6
Author: Karen Dupchak (Animal Nutritionist)
Animal Industry Branch - Manitoba Agriculture & Food
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