Can Cattle and Sheep Eat Sprouted Grain?

By Scout Nelson

Sprouted grain can still be a useful feed source for cattle and sheep when farmers handle and store it properly. Wet weather and harvest delays can cause grain to begin growing before it is harvested. Although sprouting changes the grain's starch and sugar levels.

Warren Rusche, Assistant Professor and SDSU Extension Feedlot Management Specialist, provided guidance on the feeding value, safety, and storage of sprouted grains. Understanding these factors can help livestock producers make informed decisions, reduce feed losses, and protect animal health when wet weather affects their crops.

Why Does Grain Sprout Before Harvest?

Grain can sprout before harvest when wet weather delays fieldwork. This problem occurs more often in small grains, such as wheat, but corn and milo can also sprout under suitable conditions.

In corn, certain fungal diseases can affect the balance of two plant hormones called abscisic acid and gibberellic acid. These hormones help control whether a kernel remains dormant or starts to grow. When conditions support germination, the grain begins sprouting while still on the plant.

How Does Sprouting Change Grain?

During germination, enzymes break down starch stored in the grain and convert some of it into sugars. The process also produces heat, carbon dioxide, and water.

These changes can lower the grain's value for food processing, milling, brewing, and other uses. Ethanol plants may also be less willing to accept sprouted corn because sprouting can reduce starch levels, and the conditions that cause sprouting may also favor mycotoxin development.

However, these changes do not automatically make sprouted grain unsuitable for livestock feed. Its feeding value depends on the extent of sprouting and whether other problems, such as mold or toxins, are present.

Can Cattle and Sheep Eat Sprouted Grain?

In many cases, cattle and sheep can eat sprouted grain with results similar to those achieved with normal grain. Research supports its use in diets for ruminants, which are animals that digest feed through a specialized stomach system.

Researchers in Idaho compared normal wheat with sprouted wheat in diets for yearling steers. They found no major differences in weight gain or feed efficiency. In Kansas, researchers fed sprouted milo to feedlot steers and observed slightly improved performance.

These findings suggest that sprouted grain can help livestock producers recover some of the feed value from weather-damaged crops.

Sprouted grain should be processed much like normal grain. Small grains, especially wheat, often need to be rolled or ground to help animals digest them and use their energy effectively. Farmers should also consider the grain's quality and nutritional value when adding it to livestock diets.

Watch for Mold and Mycotoxins

Wet conditions that cause grain to sprout can also encourage mold growth. Some molds produce mycotoxins, which are harmful substances that can affect animal health.

Farmers should inspect sprouted grain carefully for mold damage and consider laboratory testing when contamination is suspected. Grain that looks acceptable may still require testing if there is a risk of mycotoxins.

Cattle generally tolerate certain mycotoxins better than sheep, but the level of risk depends on the toxin, its concentration, and the amount consumed. Growing and finishing animals may also face less risk than breeding animals, especially pregnant livestock.

Producers can reduce risk by directing suitable feed to livestock groups that are less sensitive to the specific concern. However, they should not feed contaminated grain without assessing its safety and seeking professional guidance when needed.

Harvesting and Storing Sprouted Grain

Harvesting affected crops as soon as field conditions allow can limit further damage and help preserve feed value. Proper storage is also important because moisture and heat can lead to additional losses and mold growth.

One option is to store sprouted grain as high-moisture feed through ensiling. This method requires suitable moisture levels and proper storage facilities.

If ensiling is not possible, farmers should dry the grain quickly to stop germination and support safe storage. Depending on the crop and conditions, more extensive drying may be necessary. For example, corn may need to reach 13% to 14% moisture rather than the usual 15% target.

After storage, producers should monitor grain bins for hot spots, moisture buildup, and signs of mold. Early detection can help prevent further damage.

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