EFFECT OF SPROUTING ON NUTRITIONAL VALUE OF WHEAT IN CATTLE DIETS

Abstract

A 140-day feeding trial was conducted to evaluate the nutritive value of wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels. Groups of 10 yearling steers were fed a 60% wheat diet. The wheat fraction of the diet consisted of all nonsprouted wheat, 1/3 sprouted wheat and 2/3 nonsprouted wheat, 2/3 sprouted and 1/3 nonsprouted wheat, or all sprouted wheat. Wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels had the same feed value as normal wheat when measured by weight gain. Substitution of sprouted wheat for nonsprouted wheat in the diet had no effect on carcass weight, grade, cutability, loin eye area, marbling, fat cover, kidney fat, or incidence of abscessed liver. Feed consumption was not noticeably affected by sprouted wheat. Digestibility data were obtained for normal wheat and wheat containing 60% sprouted kernels. Results are discussed with respect to application in determining the market value of comparable sprouted wheat.