The Effect of Genotypes on the Feed Value of Barley Straws

Straw from 37 barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) genotypes was evaluated chemically to determine if the feed value of barley straw differed among genotypes and if straw nutritional quality components were associated with desirable agronomic characteristics such as grain yield, protein yield and lodging. The average estimated feed value of barley straw differed among environments and between years. Agronomic characteristics were unrelated to most straw quality components. Significant differences among barley genotypes were found for most nutritionally related quality components of barley. Straw from two-rowed genotypes in most environments generally was higher (P<.05) in feeding value than six-rowed genotypes. Straw from feed and malting barleys was similar (P>.05) in feed value. Straw from six-rowed Karl barley, a cultivar with low grain protein, was higher (P<.05) in feed-value than most other genotypes. These data indicate the genotypic selections can be made based on agronomic characteristics without affecting feed quality components.