![\"What](\"https:\/\/farmandanimals.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/09\/pig-752557_1280-1.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nIn the west, many farm animals are fed barley \u2013 sheep, cattle, pigs, goats, poultry, rabbits, and horses. Barley isn\u2019t usually given as a stand-alone feed but is combined along with other ingredients to produce a food that is balanced for the nutritional needs of the individual animal. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Animal feed must supply the necessary energy and nutrients through carbohydrates along with protein (in the form of amino acids), fats, minerals, and vitamins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The amounts of these elements will depend on each animal species, their environment, intended use, age, sex, and condition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
One of the main problems when feeding large quantities of barley in an animal\u2019s daily ration is excessive weight gain. This can be problematic as it causes excess fat to be developed on meat animals and can cause health issues in others. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Barley Grain Poisoning<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Ruminant farm animals such as sheep, goats, and cattle when fed too much grain can suffer from a condition called Acidosis<\/a>. This slows the gut processes and causes dehydration and even death. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Once eaten, the grain releases the carbohydrates it contains into the animal\u2019s rumen. Here, it ferments rapidly and cannot be digested normally. Excess amounts of Lactic Acid are formed by the bacteria present in the rumen, initially causing bloating and pain. <\/p>\n\n\n\n The lactic acid draws excessive amounts of fluid into the rumen from the surrounding body tissues and even from the animal\u2019s blood. This results in dehydration. It may cause the blood to become more acidic in severe cases, which can result in heart failure, kidney failure, and death.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It isn’t only barley that can cause this condition, wheat, oats, and lupins have also been known to result in acidosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Crushed, cracked or hammered grain can be even more problematic, as the partial breaking down of the grain means the carbohydrate is released even more quickly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Grain poisoning will need to be treated quickly and may include intravenous fluids, bicarbonate of soda drenches, milk of magnesia, intraluminal antibiotics, steroid injections with thiamine, or surgery.<\/p>\n\n\n\n A veterinarian will need to be consulted to decide on the best plan of treatment for the affected animal or animals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n It may take as long as six weeks or more for an animal to recover while the rumen repairs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Secondary infections such as liver abscesses are not unusual. Some animals never properly recover and will require culling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Acidosis can be prevented by ensuring stock are only introduced to a grain ration gradually and recommended quantities are not exceeded. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by introducing lupins or oats first as they are less likely to induce acidosis. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Sheep should be given no more than 50 grams per head, per day to begin with and this can gradually be increased by 50 grams a day until the full ration is being fed. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Cattle can be started on 500 grams per head a day with an additional 500 grams per day for four days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is essential that roughage in the form of high-quality hay and or silage is provided and be freely available. This is unless a complete (combined) ration is being fed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To transition from oats to barley or wheat – first, substitute 25% of the oat ration. Continue to give an additional 25% every five days for 16 days or less if you wish to maintain a combined ration. <\/p>\n\n\n\n While making the switch over, carefully monitor your stock for any signs of illness including depression, lethargy, scouring, lameness, etc. as this could indicate the transition is too fast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It is also a wise precaution to check that pulpy kidney vaccinations are fully up to date before feeding grains. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Acidosis is a potentially fatal condition, so please refer to expert information on this topic or speak with a veterinary surgeon.<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\nSome common causes of grain overload include:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Symptoms of grain overload:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Treatment for grain poisoning<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Preventing Acidosis<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Example:<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Feeding Barley to Poultry<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n