Nutrient content and in sacco digestibility of Grimmett barley grain

Abstract

Products from hydroponic gardens have been used for both human and livestock feeding . Sprouting of grain has been reported to increase the activity of hydrolytic enzymes, improve the content of essential amino acids, total sugars and B-group vitamins and decrease concentrations of dry matter, starch and anti-nutrients. There are also claims of a 'grass juice factor' in green sprouted material that enhances livestock production (Randle et al. 1940). The aim of this initial study was to determine the changes in dry matter (OM) and energy, nitrogen and mineral concentration of Grimmett barley during sprouting, and assess the nutritive value of the grain and resulting sprouts for sheep.