Barley

By: David F. Lewis
Date: From Sept. 1971 Tippler Special page #476
Category: Feeding

Compare the constituents of it with corn we find the following:

Barley:
(Protein: 11.9, Fat: 2.0, Fibre: 5.7, NFE 68.0, Ash: 2.9
(Carbohydrates)

Corn:
(Protein: 9.4, Fat: 3.9, Fibre: 2.2, NFE 68.4, Ash: 1.3 (Carbohydrates)

It can be determined from the table above that barley is superior to corn in
protein content, has a more desirable fat content for pigeons, a higher
undesirable fibre content and a superior mineral or ash content. The energy
supplying carbohydrate ratings are virtually identical. Despite this
apparent proof, any experienced Tippler fancier will contend, and rightfully
so, that, in the case of barley, practice does not support theory. For some
unknown reason, pigeons cannot avail themselves of or assimilate the energy
potentials of barley.

Flying performance, when only barley is fed, will always fall considerably
short of that which can be achieved when other grains are used, even those
whose chemical analysis is inferior to barley.

The characteristics of wheat are superior to either barley or corn. The
combination of wheat and barley is, however, ideally suited for young
pigeons for the ratio of one part barley and two parts wheat provides the
following analysis which is equal to a good commercial pigeon feed mixture:
(Protein: 12.0, Fat: 1.8, Fibre: 3.9, N.F.E.: 69.3, Mineral: 2.32) In
addition, barley and wheat contain all the necessary vitamins for good
pigeon health: A, B, E, and G

Any well balanced feed when fed in restricted amounts, under the same
conditions of training ,will produce equal results.
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