Abstract
This study aimed at evaluating the effects of whole and ground sorghum, compared with ground corn, on the live weight, feed conversion ratio, organs weight and intestinal biometrics and histomorphometrics. In total, 960 Hubbard Flex broilers were reared until 42-day-old and distributed into 24 pens, according to the three treatments: ground corn, whole-grain sorghum, and ground sorghum. On day 42, five male birds per treatment were selected by similar body weight and sacrificed. Gizzard absolute weight, and proventriculus, liver, pancreas and heart relative weights, and duodenum, jejunum, ileum, ceca, and colon length and relative weight were determined. Villus characteristics and intestinal mucosa absorption surface area were evaluated. Broilers fed sorghum, independently of physical form, were heavier and had greater feed conversion ratio than those fed ground corn. Gizzard showed the highest relative weight in broilers fed whole sorghum compared to corn. Liver and jejunum relative weight was higher in broilers fed ground corn, compared to ground sorghum. Whole small intestine, cecum and colon relative lengths showed no difference among treatments. Deeper crypts were found in the duodenum of broilers fed whole grain sorghum, compared to ground sorghum, as well as in jejunum compared to ground corn; however, intestinal absorption surface area was not different among treatments. Whole or ground grain sorghum may replace corn in the feed of 1- to 42-d-old broilers, since they improve body weight and feed conversion ratio, and not adversely affect intestinal morphometry and organs weight.
Highlights
The digestive tract of broilers is still not fully developed immediately after hatching, but it quickly matures, considering the short life span of these birds (Uni et al, 1998)
According to Maiorka et al (2002), small intestine of birds is the main site of nutrients digestion and absorption
Broilers were reared at Glória Calculated nutritional composition experimental farm of the Federal University Crude protein
Summary
The digestive tract of broilers is still not fully developed immediately after hatching, but it quickly matures, considering the short life span of these birds (Uni et al, 1998). Understanding broiler digestive morphology and function is essential to obtain maximum feed efficiency and weight gain. According to Maiorka et al (2002), small intestine of birds is the main site of nutrients digestion and absorption. An important component in these segments is the intestinal villi, which increase the contact surface with the food, enabling greater absorption of nutrients. The physicalchemical characteristics of feedstuffs influence the anatomy and the histology of digestive organs, and the process of nutrient absorption. The integrity of the intestinal tissue structure is an indication of the functional and nutritional quality of feedstuffs
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