Nutrient content of sorghum beer strainings

Abstract

A study was carried out to determine what contribution the consumption of sorghum beer strainings (SBS) could make towards animal nutrition. Sorghum beer strainings were analysed for starch, protein, fat, crude fibre, ash, minerals and phytate content on a dry mass basis. The amino acid composition of the protein was also determined. The carbohydrate content, the gross energy, digestible energy and apparent metabolizable energy were calculated using appropriate factors. In comparison with maize and sorghum, the strainings have a high protein (average 252 g/kg), crude fibre (50 g/kg) and gross energy content (19,52 MJ/kg). Strainings have a higher manganese and iron content, a similar copper, zinc, calcium, amino acid and fat content, and a lower carbohydrate, digestible energy, ash, magnesium, potassium and phosphorus content than maize and sorghum. The phytate content of sorghum beer strainings is lower than in sorghum so that it is possible that the bioavailability of the minerals of strainings is enhanced. Feeding trials should be carried out before recommendations can be made regarding incorporation of SBS in poultry, pig or ruminant diets.