Laucke Mills - Barley

Laucke Mills Barley Grain for Livestock & Poultry

Laucke Mills Barley is a straight cereal grain used in supplementary feeding programs for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry. Barley provides carbohydrate energy and can be blended with other grains, roughage, protein sources, minerals and vitamins to suit the nutritional needs of different animals.

Its higher fibre content makes barley a widely used alternative to wheat in livestock rations. For cattle and other ruminants, processing the grain by rolling, coarse cracking or milling can improve utilisation, depending on the feeding program and equipment available.

Why Feed Barley

Barley is mainly used as an energy grain. It can help increase the energy level of livestock feeds, drought rations and custom grain mixes without relying on one grain source alone.

It can also be added in smaller amounts to poultry scratch mixes or offered as a supplementary grain. However, straight barley does not contain the complete balance of protein, calcium, amino acids, vitamins and minerals needed for growth, laying or breeding.

Product Details

• Ingredient: Barley grain

• Product type: Straight stockfeed grain

• Suitable for: Cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry

• Common uses: Custom feed mixes, supplementary feeding and grain-based rations

• Brand: Laucke Mills

• Available sizes: 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 20kg

How to Feed

The correct amount of barley depends on the animal species, age, body weight, workload, production stage and the other ingredients in the ration. It should be introduced gradually, particularly for cattle, sheep and goats that are not accustomed to eating grain.

Sudden access to large amounts of grain can cause digestive upset and grain poisoning in ruminants. Keep adequate hay, pasture or other roughage available and seek ration advice when feeding barley in larger quantities.

• Introduce barley slowly over several days

• Mix it with the animal’s existing feed during the change

• Use clean troughs or feeders

• Avoid sudden changes between different grains

• Provide suitable roughage for cattle, sheep and goats

• Keep fresh, clean water available at all times

• Do not feed damp, mouldy or contaminated grain

• Have livestock rations balanced by an animal nutritionist when required

For poultry, barley should be fed alongside a complete species and life-stage feed rather than replacing layer pellets, grower feed or breeder food.

Is Barley a Complete Feed?

No. Laucke Mills Barley is a single grain, not a complete or balanced animal food. Grain is generally high in energy but may be low in nutrients such as calcium and sodium, depending on the overall ration.

Animals receiving significant amounts of barley may also need suitable protein, minerals, vitamins and roughage. The required balance will differ between poultry, horses, pigs and ruminants.

Storage

Store barley in a cool, dry and well-ventilated area. Keep the bag sealed or place it inside a clean feed container to protect the grain from moisture, insects, birds and rodents.

Check the barley before feeding and discard it if it develops mould, a musty smell, unusual heat or signs of pest contamination.

Key Features & Benefits

• Straight barley grain for animal feeding

• Provides carbohydrate energy

• Suitable for a range of livestock and poultry

• Can be included in custom grain and feed mixes

• Higher in fibre than wheat

• May be rolled, cracked or milled for livestock rations

• Useful for supplementary and seasonal feeding programs

• Suitable for farms, stables and backyard poultry keepers

• Available in 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 20kg sizes

• Bulk 20kg bag for regular feeding

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Laucke Mills Barley used for?

It is a straight grain used in supplementary feeding and custom rations for cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses and poultry. It is mainly included as an energy source.

Can chickens eat barley?

Yes. Chickens can eat barley as a supplementary grain or as part of a scratch mix. It should not replace a complete layer, grower or breeder feed.

Can barley be fed to cattle and sheep?

Yes, but it should be introduced gradually and fed with adequate roughage. Large or sudden grain meals can increase the risk of acidosis and other digestive problems.

Should barley be fed whole or processed?

That depends on the animal and ration. Barley used in cattle diets may be rolled, hammer-milled or steam-flaked to improve its use, while other feeding programs may use whole or coarsely cracked grain.

Is barley suitable for horses?

Barley can be included in properly balanced horse diets, but it is an energy-dense grain and should be introduced carefully. Processing and serving amounts should suit the horse’s workload, condition and overall ration.

Is Laucke Mills Barley a complete animal feed?

No. It is a single cereal grain and does not provide all the protein, calcium, vitamins and minerals animals need. Use it as part of a balanced feeding program.

How should barley grain be stored?

Keep it sealed in a cool, dry place protected from moisture, insects and rodents. Do not feed grain that is mouldy, musty or contaminated.

What sizes are available?

Laucke Mills Barley is available from BPG Supplies in 1kg, 2kg, 4kg and 20kg sizes. The 20kg option is suited to regular livestock or poultry feeding.