Feeding Barley

[steermaker]

Just wanted some opinions and thoughts from others about using barley in show cattle rations "year 'round".  Have used it as part of our custom mix for the past 2-3 years but only the last 60 days before our county fair. Given that it is expensive do you think it is worth feeding from start to finish for steers?  In know that many of the popular premix show rations include it.

 

[Joe Boy]

I like Barley as a feed.  It has a little less energy than corn but has more protein.  It is a great finisher and dairymen find little difference in milk production using barley when they cannot get corn.  I used it when I was feeding because I could raise it and I cannot raise corn.

In sheep it will put a harder finish on them and I think it does the same for calves when they are slick sheared, but on calves I would only use it to finish.  These are my thoughts only and you can use it however you want.