International feed grain buyers are receiving expert advice on how to incorporate sprouted wheat into animal rations, after a wet Australian harvest in some areas in 2021-22 resulted in sprouted crops.

As the extent of the sprouting became clear, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) supported Australian grain traders and international customers with technical information on the use of sprouted wheat for animal feed.

AEGIC developed technical information packages to support the trade and use of sprouted wheat from the current season, in consultation with the Australian grain trade.

Developed by Australian animal feed nutrition experts, the packages provide evidence on the suitability of sprouted wheat and practical advice on how to use it for animal feed.

AEGIC presented this information via webinars to grain customers in markets including China, Vietnam, Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Sprouted wheat is equivalent to non-sprouted wheat in nutritional value for animal feed, unless the sprouting is extensive. In most cases, sprouted wheat can be used freely as a feed component as long as all the standard quality parameters are in place.

AEGIC is an initiative of the Western Australian State Government and GRDC. AEGIC acknowledges the investment of the Western Australian Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development in this project.