Feed‐Quality Variation in the Barley Core Collection of the USDA National Small Grains Collection

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Abstract
Feed is an important end use of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). Recent research has identified high starch content, low acid‐detergent fiber (ADF), low ruminal dry‐matter digestibility (DMD), and large particle size after dry rolling as desirable barley feed‐quality characteristics for beef cattle. Knowledge about the variation available may help barley breeders develop strategies for feed‐quality improvement. Our objective was to estimate the variation in feed‐quality characteristics in barley around the world. The spring barley core subcollection from the USDA‐ARS National Small Grains Collection was planted in 1995. Ruminal DMD of 1480 accessions was evaluated. Seventy‐three accessions, selected on variation in DMD, were planted in two field replications in 1996 and 1997. These 73 accessions were evaluated for starch, DMD, ADF, and particle size after dry rolling. The range in DMD was 82 to 621 g kg−1, with a mean of 398 g kg−1 (SD = 75 g kg−1). The ranges for other traits of the 73 selected accessions were 387 to 593 g kg−1 (starch); 15 to 96 g kg−1 (ADF); 187 to 510 g kg−1 (DMD); and 1118 to 1572 μm (particle size). Six‐row types had greater ADF and particle size (P < 0.001), lower starch, and DMD (P < 0.001), compared with 2‐row types. Starch was higher (P < 0.01), and ADF and DMD were lower (P < 0.01), for hulless than for hulled accessions. Substantial variation in the spring barley core collection for feed quality‐related characters could be exploited to develop barley cultivars for feed quality.