Use of Barley in High-Efficiency Broiler Rations

SEVERAL groups have previously reported improved chick performance from barley rations fed in pelleted form, containing water treated barley or supplemented with crude amylolytic enzymes (Allred et al., 1957; Arscott et al., 1957, 1958; Fry et al., 1957 a, b; Jensen et al., 1957; Thomas et al., 1960; and Willingham et al., 1959, 1960). From these studies it is evident that barley rations supplemented with amylolytic enzymes or containing water treated barley improve chick growth, feed conversion and the “sticky droppings” condition normally associated with untreated barley rations. Water consumption is often decreased. Pelleting, on the other hand, improves growth but not the adverse droppings condition and appears to produce an increase in water consumption. Recently, Arscott and Rose (1960) have reported that for results comparable to corn mash type rations, barley rations required supplementation with animal fat and an amylolytic enzyme in addition to being fed in pelleted form…