Rolled Barley

Overview

Rolled barley is one of the two primary growing-phase grains in show lamb programs (alongside corn). It delivers high energy density with slightly more protein than corn — a combination that supports both rate of gain and muscle development. Very common in western U.S. show programs where barley is locally available and affordable. Rolling is recommended for younger or lighter lambs; whole barley works fine for lambs over ~50–60 lbs and provides equivalent performance with less processing cost. Transition slowly — barley is a high-starch, rapidly-fermenting grain that can cause acidosis if introduced too fast.

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Nutritional Profile

Nutrient	Value (dry matter basis)
Crude Protein	11–13%
Crude Fat	2–3%
Crude Fiber	5–6%
TDN	82–84%
Calcium	~0.05%
Phosphorus	~0.35%
Ca:P Ratio	~1:7 (high phosphorus — limestone supplementation required)

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Sheep Safety

Copper: No concern — barley contains no added copper and is safe for sheep.

Urinary calculi (wethers): High phosphorus relative to calcium. A significant barley component in the ration requires limestone or calcium carbonate supplementation to achieve a minimum 2:1 Ca:P ratio. Ammonium chloride at 0.5% of total ration is standard in all wether programs using grain-heavy rations. Never skip this step.

Rumen acidosis: Barley is a rapidly-fermenting, high-starch grain. Introduce in increments no larger than 0.25 lb/head/day per week. Do not feed finely ground barley — coarse-rolled or whole only. Maintain access to long-stem hay to buffer rumen pH.

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Show Circuit Use

Primary Role in Program

Barley is the workhorse growing grain — it drives the rate of gain needed to make weight by show day and builds the muscle mass that judges evaluate on the top line and hind leg. It replaces or blends with corn in markets where corn is expensive or barley is locally cheaper. In corn-heavy programs (eastern/midwestern U.S.), barley may not appear at all; in western programs it is often the dominant grain.

Typical Feeding Rates by Phase

Phase	Rate
Growing (50–100 lbs)	0.5–1.0 lb/day as part of grain mix
Finishing (100 lbs – show)	1.0–1.5 lb/day; often 40–60% of total grain mix
Pre-show flush	Hold steady — do not increase grain during flush; adjust other ration components

How to Feed

Dry, mixed into total ration. Rolling provides a measurable benefit for lambs under ~50 lbs but shows minimal digestibility advantage for heavier lambs over whole barley. Rolling does improve mixing and blending with supplements. Do not grind fine — fine-ground barley increases starch fermentation rate and raises acidosis risk substantially.

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Phase Protocols

Growing Phase | Rate of Gain

• Rate: Start at 0.25–0.5 lb/day; increase by 0.25 lb every 5–7 days toward target rate
• Mix: 40–60% barley + rolled oats (for palatability) + protein supplement + fiber source
• Purpose: Build muscle and frame; maintain rate of gain on schedule

Finishing Phase | Push Condition

• Rate: 1.0–1.5 lb/day; increase cautiously
• Mix: 50–60% barley + corn (if used) + fat supplements + fiber
• Purpose: Add finishing cover and push final gain

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Stacking & Combinations

Rolled barley + rolled oats: The standard western grain combination. Barley drives energy and gain; oats contribute palatability and a gentler starch load. Common ratio: 60% barley / 40% oats during the growing phase, shifting to 70/30 or higher barley in finishing.

Rolled barley + whole corn: Used where both are available and affordable. Corn adds additional TDN; barley adds protein. Effective for finishing lambs that need both gain and condition simultaneously.

Rolled barley + soy hull pellets: Soy hulls buffer the starch load and reduce acidosis risk while contributing digestible fiber energy. Good safety pairing for high-barley rations.

Rolled barley + alfalfa pellets + beet pulp: Complete ration balancing combination — barley provides energy, alfalfa provides protein and calcium, beet pulp provides fiber and additional calcium. This three-way combination hits most targets with commodity ingredients.

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Sourcing & Cost

Available in bulk from grain elevators across the western U.S., Pacific Northwest, and plains states. Less commonly available in the eastern U.S. where corn is more economical. Request feed-grade rolled barley from your elevator — pearled or hull-less barley varieties are not recommended (hull provides important rumen buffering fiber).

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Community Tips

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