Development of a single quality assessment protocol for both malt and feed barleys

An intermediate stage breeding trial within the Northern Barley Improvement Program was assessed for feed grain and malt quality. Results indicated that there was a genetic effect for both malt and, importantly, ‘feed traits (as measured by hardness, acid detergent fibre, starch and in sacco dry matter). Overall, there was a ‘common’ set of quality traits which included large grain size, high levels of starch, lower fibre (husk) and high levels of digestible (fermentable) carbohydrates. The preliminary results from this study suggest that from measurements of relevant grain and malt quality parameters, it will be possible to select for both malt and feed quality traits within a breeding program.