Sprouted barley can safely replace up to 15% of alfalfa hay in dairy cow diets without reducing milk production or quality, according to Gram Research analysis of a 2026 study of 30 Simmental cows. Cows eating sprouted barley maintained normal digestion and produced the same amount of milk as cows on traditional alfalfa-based diets over 90 days.
Researchers tested whether sprouted barley could replace some alfalfa hay in the diet of dairy cows without affecting milk production or cow health. Over 90 days, 30 cows ate either a traditional alfalfa-based diet or one where 15% of their food was sprouted barley. The results showed that sprouted barley maintained normal stomach function and milk quality just as well as alfalfa hay. This finding suggests sprouted barley could be a practical alternative feed option for dairy farmers, potentially offering more flexibility in feed sourcing while keeping cows healthy and productive.
Key Statistics
A 2026 research study of 30 Simmental dairy cows found that replacing 15% of alfalfa hay with sprouted barley produced no significant changes in milk yield or milk composition over 90 days.
According to research reviewed by Gram, sprouted barley supplementation did not affect dry matter intake or body condition score in mid-lactation dairy cows, indicating the feed change was well-tolerated.
A 90-day dairy cow study showed that while sprouted barley caused modest shifts in rumen fermentation chemistry, all changes remained within normal physiological ranges with no negative effects on digestion.
Research from 2026 demonstrated that alfalfa hay supported greater rumen pH stability compared to sprouted barley, though the sprouted barley diet maintained adequate digestive function throughout the study period.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Whether sprouted barley could safely replace part of the alfalfa hay that dairy cows normally eat without hurting milk production or cow health
- Who participated: 30 mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows (cows actively producing milk) divided into two groups for 90 days
- Key finding: Cows eating sprouted barley produced the same amount and quality of milk as cows eating traditional alfalfa hay, with no negative effects on digestion or body condition
- What it means for you: If you’re a dairy farmer, sprouted barley appears to be a safe alternative feed option that won’t reduce milk production. However, this study was specific to one breed of cow, so results may vary with other dairy breeds
The Research Details
Researchers divided 30 dairy cows into two groups. One group ate a standard diet based on alfalfa hay, while the other group had 15% of their daily food replaced with sprouted barley (barley seeds that have started to grow). The study lasted 90 days, which is long enough to see how the change affects the cows’ digestive system and milk production.
Throughout the study, scientists collected samples of fluid from the cows’ stomachs (called the rumen) on days 10, 45, and 90 to measure how well digestion was working. They measured stomach acid levels, the types of fatty acids produced during digestion, and tracked how much food the cows ate. They also measured milk production and quality, and checked the cows’ body condition (whether they were gaining or losing weight).
This type of study is important because it shows real-world results in actual animals over a meaningful time period, rather than just testing something in a lab.
The rumen is like a cow’s fermentation tank—it’s where special bacteria break down plant material so the cow can digest it and get nutrients. If you change what a cow eats, you need to make sure the rumen still works properly. This study checked whether sprouted barley disrupts this delicate balance, which is crucial for keeping cows healthy and productive.
This study has good practical value because it tracked cows for 90 days and measured multiple important factors (digestion, milk production, and body health). However, the study only included one breed of cow (Simmental), so results might differ with other dairy breeds. The sample size of 30 cows is reasonable but relatively modest. The study was published in a peer-reviewed journal, which means other experts reviewed the work before publication.
What the Results Show
The most important finding was that sprouted barley did not negatively affect milk production or milk quality. Cows eating sprouted barley produced the same amount of milk with the same nutritional composition as cows eating traditional alfalfa hay. This means farmers could potentially use sprouted barley without worrying about losing milk sales.
The cows eating sprouted barley also ate the same amount of food as the control group and maintained healthy body weight throughout the study. This is important because it shows the cows weren’t getting hungry or losing condition when part of their diet changed.
Rumen function—the digestive process—remained normal in both groups. While there were some small changes in stomach acid levels and the types of fatty acids produced during digestion, these changes stayed within healthy ranges. The sprouted barley group showed a gradual decline in stomach pH (acidity) by day 90, but this didn’t cause any problems with digestion or milk production.
Total volatile fatty acid concentration (a measure of how well digestion is working) decreased slightly over time in both groups, but this was a normal pattern and not caused by the diet change. Individual fatty acids like acetate, propionate, and butyrate showed only modest changes between groups, all within normal healthy ranges. These findings suggest that sprouted barley doesn’t disrupt the normal chemistry of cow digestion.
Previous research suggested sprouted barley might be a good feed option because it’s easier to digest than regular barley. This study confirms that theory by showing sprouted barley can actually replace part of a cow’s traditional diet without causing problems. The results align with what scientists expected based on sprouted barley’s nutritional profile, though direct comparisons with other studies are limited because few researchers have tested this specific question.
This study only tested one breed of dairy cow (Simmental), so the results might not apply equally to other dairy breeds like Holsteins or Jerseys. The study replaced 15% of the diet with sprouted barley—we don’t know if replacing more or less would work as well. The study lasted 90 days, which is good, but longer-term effects over a full lactation cycle weren’t measured. Finally, the study didn’t measure the cost of sprouted barley compared to alfalfa, which would be important for farmers deciding whether to switch.
The Bottom Line
Based on this research, sprouted barley appears to be a safe partial replacement for alfalfa hay in dairy cow diets (moderate confidence). Farmers could consider using it as 15% of the diet without expecting negative effects on milk production. However, start with small amounts and monitor your specific cows, since individual responses may vary. This is especially important if you have a different breed than the Simmental cows tested.
Dairy farmers with mid-lactation cows should pay attention to this research, particularly those looking for alternative feed sources or dealing with alfalfa shortages. Sprouted barley producers might find a new market. However, farmers with other dairy breeds should be cautious about assuming identical results. This research is less relevant to beef cattle operations or non-dairy animals.
Based on this study, you would expect to see stable milk production and normal digestion within the first 10-45 days of switching to sprouted barley. The full effects on rumen stability appear to develop over the full 90-day period, so give the change at least 3 months before deciding whether it’s working for your operation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace alfalfa with sprouted barley for my dairy cows?
Yes, research shows you can safely replace up to 15% of alfalfa hay with sprouted barley without affecting milk production or cow health. However, this study tested only one breed, so monitor your specific cows when making the switch.
Does sprouted barley affect milk production in dairy cows?
No, a 2026 study of 30 cows found that sprouted barley produced no significant changes in milk yield or composition compared to traditional alfalfa-based diets over 90 days.
How long does it take to see results when switching to sprouted barley?
Stable milk production and normal digestion appeared within 10-45 days in the study, with full rumen stability developing over the complete 90-day period. Allow at least 3 months before fully evaluating the change.
Is sprouted barley safe for all dairy cow breeds?
This study only tested Simmental cows, so results may vary with other breeds like Holsteins or Jerseys. Start with small amounts and monitor your specific cows’ milk production and digestion when trying sprouted barley.
What happens to cow digestion when you add sprouted barley?
Sprouted barley causes minor shifts in rumen fermentation chemistry, but all changes stay within normal healthy ranges. Stomach acid levels showed gradual changes but remained adequate for proper digestion.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track daily milk production (liters or gallons) and milk composition (fat and protein percentages) weekly if you switch to sprouted barley. Compare these numbers to your baseline from the previous month to spot any changes early.
- If you’re a dairy farmer using the app, log your feed changes when you introduce sprouted barley, noting the percentage of your diet it represents. Set reminders to collect milk samples weekly for the first month to monitor quality metrics.
- Create a 90-day tracking plan that monitors milk yield, body condition scores, and feed intake. Use the app to compare your cows’ performance before and after introducing sprouted barley, with checkpoints at 10, 45, and 90 days to match the research timeline.
This research applies specifically to mid-lactation Simmental dairy cows and may not generalize to other breeds or life stages. Consult with a veterinarian or dairy nutritionist before making significant changes to your herd’s diet. Individual cows may respond differently than the group average shown in this study. This information is for educational purposes and should not replace professional agricultural or veterinary advice. Results from a single 90-day study should be confirmed with longer-term observation in your specific operation before making permanent feed changes.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.