New crop wheat survey shows caution required in the North

Nutrition specialists and pre-mix suppliers, Premier Nutrition has today announced the results from their new crop wheat survey for 2011.

The results, collated from samples across various regions in the UK, indicate a slight increase in the national average crude protein content, although this is not mirrored in all regions, particularly so in the west and east. [see table 1]

In addition, an increase in the average moisture content of the samples tested resulted in a marginal reduction in energy, which is partly offset by a minor reduction in both ash and fibre. Phosphorous content shows a further reduction, down to 0.22%, a reduction of 0.02% on 2010. [see table 2]

Ian Mackinson, Premier Nutrition’s poultry nutritionist commented;

"Our results seem to follow the trends outlined in the HGCA provisional survey results with the exception of moisture content. According to HGCA, the moisture content appeared to have fallen by 0.5% to 15% which provides a contrast to that seen in our samples of +0.4% compared to 2010. Of course our snapshot just provides an indication so I look forward to HGCA full results in due course.

"I think the main message from our results is to look at the regional variations in analysis and act accordingly. This survey highlights the importance of routine local analysis to monitor differences of incoming wheat and the need for reformulation to ensure the nutritional balance of the diet is maintained."