A significant range in DE content exists in western Canadian barley, which results in a large range in economic value. Physical parameters cannot be used to estimate the DE content in barley. Equations based on chemical characteristics can predict DE content accurately. Broiler AME and swine DE are not correlated; however, addition of enzymes to broiler diets improved the correlation between AME (+ enzyme) and DE greatly. Finally, the results indicated that barley DE can be predicted accurately by NIRS; however, a larger sample set is required to increase robustness of calibration.