Barley — Livestock Feed Analysis
Barley is a high-energy grain (84% TDN) with better protein content (13%) than corn, widely used in livestock feeding programs in the northern United States and Canada. Barley should be rolled or crimped before feeding to cattle and horses to crack the hull and improve digestibility. Finely ground barley is avoided for ruminants because it increases the rate of starch fermentation and the risk of acidosis. Barley is the primary feed grain in many European and Canadian livestock operations, performing similarly to corn in beef finishing and dairy production when properly managed. The starch in barley ferments more rapidly than corn starch, requiring careful transition periods and adequate roughage in the diet. Barley is also used in swine diets as a corn replacement, though its lower energy content reduces daily gain slightly.
Which Animals Can Barley Feed?
The table below shows how Barley performs as a sole feed source for each of the 20 livestock species in our database. At 13% crude protein and 84% TDN, this feed meets the protein requirement for animals needing up to 13% CP and the energy requirement for animals needing up to 84% TDN. In practice, feeds are rarely used as the sole source; this analysis helps determine where barley fits in a mixed ration.
| Animal | Needs CP | Needs TDN | As-Fed/Day | CP Met? | TDN Met? | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beef Cow | 7% | 52% | 27.3 lbs | Yes | Yes | $94.09 |
| Dairy Cow | 16% | 70% | 55.7 lbs | No | Yes | $192.10 |
| Horse | 10% | 55% | 25.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $86.25 |
| Meat Goat | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.58 |
| Dairy Goat | 14% | 65% | 6.8 lbs | No | Yes | $23.52 |
| Sheep | 10% | 55% | 6.0 lbs | Yes | Yes | $20.58 |
| Pig (Sow/Boar) | 14% | 75% | 13.6 lbs | No | Yes | $47.05 |
| Pig (Grower/Finisher) | 16% | 80% | 8.5 lbs | No | Yes | $29.40 |
| Chicken (Layer) | 16% | 70% | 0.2 lbs | No | Yes | $0.78 |
| Chicken (Broiler) | 20% | 78% | 0.3 lbs | No | Yes | $1.18 |
| Turkey | 22% | 75% | 1.0 lbs | No | Yes | $3.43 |
| Duck | 16% | 70% | 0.4 lbs | No | Yes | $1.23 |
| Rabbit | 16% | 65% | 0.3 lbs | No | Yes | $1.10 |
| Llama | 10% | 55% | 7.2 lbs | Yes | Yes | $24.70 |
| Alpaca | 10% | 55% | 3.1 lbs | Yes | Yes | $10.59 |
| Donkey | 8% | 50% | 8.5 lbs | Yes | Yes | $29.40 |
| Bison | 7% | 52% | 40.9 lbs | Yes | Yes | $141.14 |
| Elk | 12% | 60% | 22.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $78.41 |
| White-tailed Deer | 12% | 60% | 5.7 lbs | Yes | Yes | $19.60 |
| Miniature Horse | 10% | 55% | 6.8 lbs | Yes | Yes | $23.52 |
Cost Comparison with Similar Feeds
Selecting the most cost-effective feed requires comparing both the as-fed price and the price per ton of dry matter. The table below compares Barley with other feeds in the grain category and common reference feeds. The cost per ton of dry matter accounts for moisture content, providing a fair comparison between feeds with different moisture levels.
| Feed | DM % | CP % | TDN % | $/Ton | $/Ton DM |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Grass Hay | 88% | 8% | 52% | $150 | $170 |
| Alfalfa Hay | 90% | 18% | 58% | $250 | $278 |
| Whole Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $220 | $250 |
| Cracked Corn | 88% | 9% | 88% | $240 | $273 |
| Oats | 89% | 12% | 70% | $210 | $236 |
| Barley | 88% | 13% | 84% | $230 | $261 |
Feeding Guidelines for Barley
When incorporating barley into a livestock feeding program, consider the following nutritional characteristics. With a dry matter content of 88%, each pound of as-fed barley provides 0.88 lbs of actual dry matter. The crude protein content of 13% means that each pound of dry matter delivers 2.1 grams of crude protein. The TDN content of 84% indicates the proportion of the feed that is digestible and available for energy.
The cost of barley at $230 per ton translates to $0.115 per pound as-fed or $0.131 per pound of dry matter. When evaluating whether to use this feed, compare the cost per unit of the nutrient you are trying to supply. If you need protein, calculate the cost per pound of crude protein. If you need energy, calculate the cost per unit of TDN. The most economical feed choice depends on which nutrient is the limiting factor in your ration and the relative prices of available feeds in your local market.
Storage requirements vary by feed type and moisture content. Feeds with less than 15% moisture (most dry hays and grains) can be stored in open-sided barns or covered stacks for months to years without significant nutrient loss. Feeds with higher moisture content require either airtight storage (silage, haylage) or must be consumed within days of delivery (wet brewers grains, wet distillers grains). Proper storage prevents mold growth, mycotoxin contamination, and dry matter losses that can significantly increase the effective cost per unit of nutrition delivered to the animal.
Always introduce new feeds gradually over a period of 7-14 days, increasing the proportion of the new feed while decreasing the old feed by equal amounts each day. Sudden dietary changes disrupt the microbial population in the rumen (for ruminants) or the hindgut (for horses), potentially causing digestive disturbances ranging from mild loose stools to life-threatening acidosis or colic. This gradual transition is especially important when switching between forages and concentrates, or when introducing high-starch feeds like corn or barley to animals previously consuming an all-forage diet.
Other Feed Types
Compare nutritional profiles and costs for all livestock feeds in our database.