Energy Value of Barley Fractions1

Ground barley was separated according to particle size into two fractions—high fiber (11.3 %) and low fiber (2.5%). Growing pigs fed the low fiber fraction gained weight faster and more efficiently than pigs fed ground barley. The high fiber fraction was not as efficiently utilized as ground barley by pregnant sows or beef bulls, but there was no effect upon reproductive performance of the sows or weight gains of the bulls. It was suggested that under certain conditions, more efficient use of barley could be obtained if the barley were separated according to particle size and the low fiber fraction fed to growing pigs and the high fiber fraction fed to ruminants.