Comparison of Condor and CDC Richard hulless barleys for broiler chicks

Five Condor and five CDC Richard hulless barley samples, representing a range in crude protein (12.4–15.3%), were fed to broiler chicks in β-glucanase-supplemented diets formulated to be moderately limiting in crude protein (18% CP). The barley varieties had comparable mean CP (Condor, 13.8%; CDC Richard, 14.1%) and starch (Condor, 56.4%; CDC Richard, 57.5%), although Condor was somewhat higher in β-glucan content (3.5 vs. 2.8%; P < 0.10). There were no differences (P > 0.05) in body weight or feed conversion among chicks fed the two barleys, indicating that protein utilization was similar in broiler chicks fed Condor and those fed CDC Richard hulless barleys. Key words: Hulless barley, chicks, protein, β-glucanase