CEREALS

Maize (Zea mays) is one of the main ingredients of feeds that are made in Spain (approximately 4 million Tm/year), and is particularly appreciated for its high energy value, palatability, very slight variability of chemical composition and low content in anti-nutritioinal factors.

Barley (Hordeum vulgare) is the main cereal used in the manufacture of feeds in Spain. The total amount consumed is of the order of 3.5 million Tm/year, which amounts to approximately one third of the total for cereals. In the domestic market, there are two types: malting or two-row barley and six-row barley. We have two-row barley (malting barley) either whole or mashed.

Hard wheat (Triticum durum, tetraploide) is the third most used cereal for the manufacture of feeds in Spain (approximately 1.5 million Tm/year). Recently an increase has been noticed in its use for animal feeds.

BY-PRODUCTS OF CEREALS

At the successive stages of the process of milling and sifting of wheat to obtain flour, a number of by-products are obtained which, taken together, amount to about 25% in weight of the grain. The world production is estimated at some 500 million Tm per year. Bran is highly palatable and has a high availability on the market. The principal component is fibre (37% FND in bran) which is also the main limiting factor for its inclusion in diets, especially in aviculture.