The measurement of metabolisable energy in samples of oats,barley and wheat using chicks

For each of the cereals oats, barley and wheat, metabolisable energy concentrations were estimated in 16 samples of known origin and chemical composition. Each sample was fed at three levels of substitution with a fishmeal/vitamin supplement. There was not a significant difference in metabolisable energy concentration among individual samples within the barley and wheat groups. Significant differences found among values for the oat samples did not seem to correlate in any meaningful way with chemically determined components. The overall mean values with standard deviations found for oats, barley and wheat respectively were 11.9±0.29, 12.6±0.23 and 13.6 ± 0.29 MJ kg^?1 dry matter. These results are discussed and compared with values published recently for laying hens and roosters and with average figures from tables of feedingstuffs composition in current use.