What to Do With Sprouted Grains

Overview
Wet and humid harvest conditions often increase the availability of sprouted grains for livestock feeding. Research across beef cattle, swine, and poultry indicates that sprouting has minimal impact on feed value, and performance is generally equivalent to livestock fed sound grain. Slight reductions in intake may occur; therefore, sprouted grains are best blended into rations and always fed by weight, not volume.
 
Livestock Performance Research
Beef Cattle – Sprouted Wheat
Washington State University evaluated sound, low‑sprout (9% sprouted kernels), and high‑sprout (58% sprouted kernels) wheat at 25% and 50% diet inclusion.
Findings:
  • No significant differences in average daily gain (ADG), feed intake, or feed efficiency compared with a barley control diet.
  • Sprouted wheat performed comparably across all levels of sprouting.
Table 1. Performance of Feedlot Cattle Fed Sprouted Wheat
Treatment
ADG (lb/day)
Intake (lb/day)
Feed Efficiency
Barley Control
2.90
20.8
7.15
25% Sound Wheat
2.97
20.9
7.03
50% Sound Wheat
2.86
20.2
7.06
25% Low‑Sprout Wheat
2.81
19.7
6.96
50% Low‑Sprout Wheat
2.73
19.9
7.27
25% High‑Sprout Wheat
2.99
20.9
6.99
50% High‑Sprout Wheat
2.84
20.2
7.05
Additional work at Washington State University showed:
  • Sheep consumed more high‑sprout wheat than sound wheat.
  • Sprouted wheat had slightly lower digestibility and energy content.
 
Beef Cattle – Sprouted and Frosted Barley
Alberta research compared sprouted, frosted, and sound barley.
Findings:
  • No differences in ADG, feed intake, or feed efficiency regardless of sprouting or frost damage.
Table 2. Nutrient and Performance Characteristics of Barley
Sample
1
2
3
4
5
6
Type
None
Sprouted
Sprouted
Frosted
Frosted
Frosted
% Damage
0.1
18.7
6.9
75
>75
>75
Bushel Weight (lb)
51
48
45
47
42
43
CP (%)
12.1
13.3
11.0
11.4
11.7
12.3
ADG (lb/day)
2.71
2.84
2.68
2.79
2.62
2.97
Intake (lb/day)
17.95
17.82
17.51
16.87
17.49
18.13
Feed Efficiency
6.65
6.29
6.57
6.02
6.67
6.08
 
Storage Considerations for Sprouted Grain
Sprouted grain typically has higher moisture content, creating risks for spoilage and mold development. Grain should be assessed for mold presence, and suspect grain should not be fed to young, pregnant, or lactating animals.
Recommended Storage Methods
1. Aeration
  • The most effective method for minimizing storage losses.
  • Dry grain to ~18% moisture.
  • Moisture tests may underestimate true levels; add 1–1.5% to readings for sprouted grain.
  • Avoid steel bins when moisture approaches 20%.
  • Turn grain with augers to improve airflow.
  • Cooler temperatures extend storage life (e.g., 15.5°C = ~75 days; 21°C = 30–45 days).
2. Ensiling
  • Suitable for conventional silos or silage bags.
  • Grain should be rolled or ground prior to ensiling to avoid excess oxygen.
  • Moisture should be 23–35% for effective fermentation.
  • Maintain proper silage management (packing, covering, face management).
3. Chemical Preservation
  • Propionic acid (1.25% by weight for 30% moisture grain; half for <6‑month storage).
  • Ammoniation at 2.3% of grain DM; requires oxygen exclusion with plastic covering.
  • Note: These methods are appropriate for on‑farm feed preservation, not for grain elevator sales.
4. Mixing With Other Forages
  • Sprouted grain can be layered or mixed into silage during harvest.
5. Bale or Chopped Silage
  • Higher risk of spoilage due to oxygen infiltration.
  • Consider use of preservatives.
 
Managing Mold Issues
  • Discard severely mold‑damaged grain.
  • Feed small amounts only to growing and finishing cattle.
  • Avoid feeding to pregnant or lactating animals.
  • Ensure diets are balanced, particularly for energy and vitamin A.
  • Mold or mycotoxin testing is recommended when risk is suspected.
 
Conclusion
Sprouted grains maintain nearly equal feeding value to sound grain when fed by weight. Primary concerns relate to moisture, storage stability, and mold development rather than nutrient content or animal performance. Early‑season use, proper aeration or preservation, and careful monitoring of grain condition will help maintain feed quality and minimize spoilage losses.