EFFECT OF DIFFERENT PRESERVATION METHODS FOR HIGH-MOISTURE BARLEY ON FEEDING VALUE FOR BROILER CHICKENS

摘要

High-moisture barley was preserved anaerobically by ensiling using different additives, aerobically with propionic acid, or by drying. Chemical composition, feeding value and effect on physiological parameters in broiler chickens were studied. The content of true protein, total amino acids, total beta-glucans and the viscosity were reduced when barley was stored in the moist stage. Anaerobic storage, which produced lactic acid and ethanol by fermentation, caused the strongest reduction. High-moisture barley reduced feed:grain ratio compared with dry barley, the difference being significant (p < 0.05) for the anaerobically stored barley in one experiment. Feeding high-moisture barley tended to reduce the relative weight of the digestive tract, and owing to less sticky droppings the cleanness of the cages and feathers was significantly improved (p < 0.05).