Is it OK to feed sprouted grain to livestock? Short answer - yes. Long answer - PGG Wrightson have summarised all you need to know into a technical info sheet. See below.
Sprouted grain is unsuitable for use in the milling, brewing and food industries but it can be fed to livestock. The germination process produces heat, carbon dioxide and moisture that can reduce the energy density of the sprouted grain. However, animal feeding trials indicate that the feeding value of the sprouted grain is not greatly reduced, if at all. In some instances, it appears that sprouting may actually improve the feeding value. Substantial sprouting will involve some reduction in energy available per kernel, while slight to moderate sprouting will have less effect on the feed value of sprouted grains.
Sprouted wheat should be processed similar to non-sprouted wheat, but sprouted grains may have a higher moisture content which can lead to spoilage and mould growth during storage. Check the moisture before storage and take steps to reduce moisture levels prior to storage or store the sprouted grain in a way that will limit spoilage (see flow chart below). If there is any question about the presence of moulds or toxins, have the grain screened.
Follow feeding recommendations (maximum levels, etc.) normally used for feeding wheat.
A PGG Wrightson Seeds technical document summarising information on the nutritional value of sprouted grains is available below.
Pre-harvest sprouting grain - PGG Wrightson technical information sheet
FAR has compiled a flow chart to assist with decision making on what to do with sprouted cereal grain. The flow chart contains links to some overseas information (simply hover over the point of interest and click), which will need to be considered for New Zealand conditions.