The Biological and Economical Feasibility of Feeding Barley Green Fodder and its Modifications on Lactating Awassi Ewes

The objectives of this experiment were to investigate the botanical and biological value of hydroponic barley (HB) as a feed ingredient for lactatingawassi ewes. Three forms of HB were investigated. The first was planting barley grains alone (HB) while in the second and third were planting barley grains mixed with olive cake (HBOC) and almond hulls (HBAH). The green fodder produced from these three forms was used in feeding 4 lactating ewes in each group being fed one of the HB forms for 70 days and performance and milk parameters were tested. Results of the experiment showed that the green fodder yield in 8 days germination cycle was 6.6,6.5 and 7.5 kg per 1 kg barley grains of green fodder from HB,HBOC and HBAH,respectively. Mixed barley grain with OC and AH to barley grains as germination media had no advantages in regard to biomass and nutritive value. The form of HB had no effects on milk yield, milk composition, feed intake, body weight changes; however, HB of different forms had positive effects on ewe’s healthy conditions, mortalities, conception rates and abortion. In conclusion HB of any form can be used as feed for lactating sheep as cost of feed can be reduced by 42% under HB feeding.