Sorghum-based Diets Research Articles

Natural and synthetic pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

The objective of this work was to evaluate the supplementation of yellow natural pigment levels based on Marigold Flower extract (2%) and yellow synthetic pigment (Carophyll Yellow 10%) in sorghum-based rations for commercial laying hens and their influence on bird performance and egg quality. A completely randomized design was adopted with 5 treatments, 6 replicates, and 5 laying hens in each repetition. The treatments evaluated were: Sorghum based diet without supplementation with pigmentant - Negative Control; 150 g t-1 of Yellow Natural Pigment feed; 300 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 450 g t-1 of yellow natural pigment feed; 25 g t-1 of yellow industrial pigment feed. The Tukey test was applied at 5% for the analysis of the variables of performance and quality of the eggs. The variables related to external and internal egg quality and poultry yield performance did not present significant results (p > 0.05). Only the variable color of the yolk obtained significance (p < 0.01), with an increase according to the number of pigments included in the diet. Sorghum can be used together supplementation of natural and synthetic pigments in the diet to improve yolk pigmentation. It is recommended to include 450g t-1 of natural marigold flower pigment feed (2%) in sorghum-based diets for better pigmentation of the yolk in place of 25 g t-1 of yellow synthetic pigmented, by improving the color of the yolk and not interfering in the productive performance of the laying hens and the quality of the eggs.

Improving sorghum digestion in broilers by targeting fermentation of xylan.

This study was to examine if it is possible to accelerate sorghum digestion in broiler chickens by targeting fermentation of the xylan. Cobb 500 broilers (n = 960, 80 birds per treatment) were fed 12 sorghum-soybean meal-based dietary treatments fed as 3 phases (starter d 0 to 12, grower d 13 to 23, finisher d 24 to 35), with 8 replicate pens of 10 birds per treatment. For half of the treatments (n = 6), 10% of the sorghum in the diet was directly replaced with 10% wheat bran, as a source of fermentable fibre. The diets were supplemented with either 0, 50 or 2,000 mg/kg xylo-oligosaccharides (XOS), with or without xylanase application. Body weight gain (BWG), feed intake (FI) and feed conversion corrected for mortality (cFCR) was determined at d 0 to 35, and male and female body weight were measured on d 35. On d 35, ileum and caeca samples were collected from 2 birds per pen, for determination of caecal cellulase and xylanase activity, microbiota composition and short chain fatty acid (SCFA) concentration, and ileal XOS concentration. Supplementation with 2,000 mg/kg XOS caused increased BWG at d 0 to 35 (P = 0.007) and enhanced caecal propionic, valeric and succinic acid concentration (P < 0.05). Wheat bran increased FI (P = 0.018) and BWG (P = 0.016), as well as caecal Bifidobacteria concentration (P < 0.001). Ileal XOS concentration was greatest when feeding combined wheat bran, 2,000 mg/kg XOS, and xylanase, resulting in increased caecal total SCFA, acetic acid and butyric acid concentration, and xylanase and cellulase activity (P < 0.05). Results from this study present that feed efficiency in birds fed sorghum-based diets is improved as a consequence of supplementing with fermentable fibre, xylanase and XOS.

SÍNTESE DE PROTEÍNA MICROBIANA E BALANÇO DE NITROGÊNIO EM NOVILHAS MESTIÇAS HOLANDEZ /ZEBU ALIMENTADAS COM DUAS FONTES DE TANINOS

Tannins have been used to trigger positive effects on ruminal metabolism. So, increasing levels of tannic acid in a sorghum-based diet for five Holstein/Zebu crossbred lactating heifers were subject to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design, five heifers x five tannins acid levels x five periods. The excretion of total purine derivatives, through the collection of spot urine samples, and the N concentration values in the milk and urine were used. All heifers received 9.87 kg/DM of corn silage as roughage and 6.38 kg of concentrate (not fed ad libitum). Diet 1 (control) contained low-tannin sorghum (0.027kg total tannin), and the other diets contained high-tannin sorghum. The levels of tannic acid added used were established based on the quantity of condensed tannin in high-tannin sorghum. Thus, diets 2, 3, 4, and 5 were supplemented with 1.5g (13.%DM), 79.5g (2.6%DM), 157.5g (3.9%DM), and 235.5g (5.2%DM) of tannic acid totalling 0.078, 0.156, 0.234, and 0.321 total tannin kg/day respectively. The urinary excretions of urea (2.0055), total allantoin (185.12 mmol/day-1) , and total purine derivatives (222.32 mmol/day-1); absorbed purines 179.3 mmol/day-1); the N microbian synthesis (130.358 (g)N/day-1); and the concentrations of allantoin in milk (36.40 mmol/day-1) were not affected by the diets. Diets using two tannins sources supplementation did not affect the animal’s health, that is, it did not change the blood and metabolic rates above the normality indices for the animal category, neither improved the efficiency of the microbial synthesis nor the balance of N for milk production

Non-starch polysaccharide degradation in the gastrointestinal tract of broiler chickens fed commercial-type diets supplemented with either a single dose of xylanase, a double dose of xylanase, or a cocktail of non-starch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes

The aim of this study was to examine non-starch polysaccharide (NSP) degradation in the gastrointestinal tract of chickens fed a range of commercial-type diets supplemented with a commercial dose of xylanase, a double dose of xylanase or a cocktail of NSP – degrading enzymes. Cobb 500 broilers (n = 1,080) were fed 12 dietary treatments; 4 diets with differing primary grain sources (barley, corn, sorghum, and wheat) and three different enzyme treatments (commercial recommended dose of xylanase (16,000 BXU/kg), a double dose of xylanase (32,000 BXU/kg) or an NSP-degrading enzyme cocktail (xylanase, β-glucanase, cellulase, pectinase, mannanase, galactanase, and arabinofuranosidase at recommended commercial levels). There were 108 pens, approximately 10 birds per pen, 9 replicates per dietary treatment. The diets were fed as 3 phases, starter (d 0–12), grower (d 12–23), and finisher (d 23–35). On bird age d 12, 23, and 35, performance (total pen body weight, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio corrected for mortality [cFCR]), litter and excreta dry matter content, and ileal and total tract soluble and insoluble NSP degradability and free oligosaccharide digestibility was determined. On d 35, the quantity of NSP in the gizzard, jejunum, ileum and excreta was determined. Results from this study showed that the double xylanase dose and NSP-ase cocktail had positive impacts on starter phase performance in birds fed the corn- and wheat-based diets. In the grower phase in birds fed the barley-based diet, these enzyme treatments improved cFCR and increased litter dry matter content. The NSP-ase cocktail had a negative impact on finisher phase cFCR in birds fed the sorghum-based diet. The double xylanase dose induced a positive impact on NSP degradability and free oligosaccharide digestibility. In conclusion, there appears to be advantages to feeding broilers a double xylanase dose, but lack of consistency when using an NSP-ase cocktail containing many enzymes.

Bioavailable Lysine Assessed Using the Indicator Amino Acid Oxidation Method in Healthy Young Males is High when Sorghum is Cooked by a Moist Cooking Method

BackgroundSorghum is the fifth most consumed cereal grain but limiting in the indispensable amino acid lysine. Complementing sorghum with lentils can improve the quality of sorghum-based diets. However, knowledge of lysine bioavailability in sorghum is lacking. ObjectivesThe study objectives were to determine the bioavailability of lysine in sorghum and to assess the effect of complementation of sorghum and lentils in a mixed-meal format. MethodsWe studied 5 healthy young men (≤30 years; BMI <25 kg/m2) in a repeated-measure design using the indicator amino acid oxidation (IAAO) method, with L-[1–13C] phenylalanine as the indicator. Each subject participated in 8 determinations in random order. On the reference diet, subjects received 4 amounts of L-lysine (5, 8, 12, and 15 mg. kg–1. d–1) from a crystalline amino acid mixture patterned after egg protein. On the test diet, they received 3 levels of lysine (8.2, 12.5, and 15.7 mg. kg–1. d–1) from sorghum, and on the complementation diet they received 1 level of lysine from a mixed meal of sorghum and lentils. The bioavailability of lysine in sorghum was estimated by comparing the IAAO response to the test diet with the IAAO response to the reference diet using the slope-ratio method. Effectiveness of complementation was assessed by comparing the IAAO response to the mixed meal to the IAAO response to the test protein. ResultsThe bioavailability of lysine from sorghum was 94%. Upon complementation with lentils, there was a decline in the oxidation of L-[1–13C] phenylalanine by 19% (P < 0.0495), reflecting an improvement in available lysine in the mixed meal due to increased lysine intake. ConclusionsAlthough the bioavailability of lysine in sorghum is high, its lysine content is limiting. Complementation with lentils in a 1:1 ratio is recommended to achieve the lysine requirement for adult men consuming a sorghum-based diet. This trial was registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov clinicaltrials.gov as NCT03411005.

Carcass Traits, Organ Proportion and Bio-Economic Cost Benefits Analysis of Broiler Chickens Fed Different Dietary Plant Protein Sources in Sorghum-Based Diet

A 56-day study was carried out to evaluate the carcass characteristics and organ proportions of broiler chickens fed sorghum-based diets with varying plant protein. A total of 120 day-old broiler chickens from a reputable and disease free farm were used for this study. There were four treatments, each having thirty broiler birds replicated thrice with ten broiler birds per replicate using a Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The broiler birds were offered feed and water ad libitum. The growth parameters were taken on weekly basis. Carcass evaluation was carried out at the end of the trial. One bird per replicate was randomly selected, fasted over-night and slaughtered by severing the jugular vein. After scalding in warm water for about a minute, the feathers were manually plucked, each bird was cut into parts for carcass evaluation. The relative weights of the cut parts were as a percentage of dressed weight. The internal organs, such as heart, kidney, gizzard/proventriculus were all weighed separately and recorded using electric micrometer (3000g weighing gauge). The findings from this study showed that all the carcass parameters considered showed significant differences (p&lt;0.05). Birds fed diet 3 gave the best live weight, slaughtered weight, defeathered weight, dressed weight and commensurate cut-parts. Soybean (whether cake or full-fat) demonstrate superiority over groundnut cake and cashew nut cake. Birds fed diet 3 gave the highest value of thigh, breast -cut, drumstick and wings, while birds fed diets 2, 1 and 4 gave less. The organ proportions of broiler chickens fed different dietary plant sources have all the parameters significantly difference (p&lt;0.05), except the lungs though without any definite pattern. Average weight gain and feed conversion ratio were better (p&lt;0.05) among birds fed diet 2, and 3. Cost benefits analysis per kilogram in naira terms for birds fed different plant protein sources in a sorghum-based diets were significant (p&lt;0.05) among treatment levels. Least cost per kg feed was obtained in diet 1 (p&lt;0.05). Cost of weight gained was (p&lt;0.05) low in T1. Cost of feed consumed was low for diet T1 and T3. Revenue, gross margin and cost benefit ratio estimated were found to high (p&lt;0.05) among T2 and T3. Broiler chickens fed diet 3 gave the best parameters. The actual contributions of the experiment, is to alternatively replace corn with sorghum completely at least cost with optimum performance.

Dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide level and composition influences grower and finisher phase performance, excreta moisture content and total tract nutrient digestibility in broilers

ABSTRACT 1. The aim of this study was to examine the impact of dietary soluble non-starch polysaccharide (sNSP) level and composition on grower and finisher phase performance, total tract nutrient digestibility and excreta moisture content in broiler chickens. 2. Cobb 500 broilers (n = 1080) were fed 12 dietary treatments; four diets with differing primary grain sources (barley, corn, sorghum and wheat) and three different sNSP levels (low, medium and high). Diets were formulated to have similar protein and energy levels but differing sNSP levels, induced by manipulating the quantity of the ingredients in the diet. The diets were fed in three phases, starter (d 0–12), grower (d 12–23) and finisher (d 23–31). 3. For birds aged d 23 and 31, total pen body weight and feed intake were determined, and fresh excreta and litter samples were collected per pen. Dry matter (DM) content was measured in the excreta and litter samples. Total tract DM digestibility, apparent metabolisable energy corrected to nitrogen (AMEn), and soluble and insoluble NSP and free oligosaccharide degradability were evaluated. 4. In birds fed the sorghum- and corn-based diets, feeding high sNSP resulted in a lower cFCR at d 0–23 compared to low sNSP (P = 0.004 and P = 0.044, respectively). In birds fed the corn-based diet, feeding low sNSP resulted in the lowest litter DM but highest DM digestibility at d 23 (P = 0.045 and P < 0.001) and d 31 (P = 0.022 and P = 0.008). For all diets, degradability of sNSP was higher and insoluble NSP was lower when feeding low compared to high sNSP (P < 0.001). In birds fed the barley- and sorghum-based diets, AMEn was lower when feeding the low compared to high sNSP level (P < 0.001 and P = 0.016, respectively). 6. Results from this study showed that level of dietary sNSP impacts broiler productive performance and nutrient utilisation.

The effect of hydrothermal processing on the performance of broiler chicks fed corn or sorghum-based diets

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of hydrothermal processing method on growth performance, digestive organ morphometry, activity of pancreatic amylase and lipase, plasma glucose and insulin concentration of broiler chicks fed post-hatching diets containing different carbohydrate sources (corn or sorghum). The experiment was carried out in a completely randomised design following a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement (factor 1: pelleting or extrusion processing; factor 2: corn or sorghum) with six replicates of 30 chicks each. Chicks were fed the diets in transport boxes for 24 h after hatch (post-hatch phase). After the post-hatch phase, all the chicks were housed and fed the same pre-starter diet. The response parameters were evaluated after 24 h and at seven days of age. The data were subjected to two-way ANOVA and the means compared by the Tukey post-hoc test (5%). After 24 h, chicks fed pelleted post-hatch diets showed a lower weight loss. Chicks fed diets containing sorghum had improved absorption of nutrients from yolk sac denoted by the reduced yolk sac weight. Broiler chicks fed extruded corn-based diets showed higher specific amylase activity (P < 0.001) and lower glucose concentration at 24 h after hatching (P < 0.001) while at seven days of age they showed the worst feed conversion rate (FCR) (P = 0.002). No difference on FCR was observed among the other groups (P> 0.05). Hydrothermal processing method nor carbohydrate source affected digestive organ weight of broiler chicks (P > 0.05). Broiler chicks fed extruded sorghum-based diets showed increased blood glucose levels in the post-hatch phase while the animals fed pelleted corn-based diets showed improved FCR during pre-initial phase.

Influence of type of starch and feeding management on glycaemic control in diabetic dogs.

The present study evaluated the effects of two diets with different starch sources and two feeding methods on the glycaemic control in dogs with diabetes mellitus. The diets had similar nutrient contents (40% starch and 16% dietary fibre), one formulated with 46% of broken rice and the other with 42% sorghum and 10% lentils (as-fed). Ten client-owned diabetic dogs were fed with each diet for 2months, in a crossover design. Five dogs received NPH human insulin and food every 12h (feeding method 1), and the other five received insulin every 12h but were fed three times a day (feeding method 2). In feeding method 2, morning insulin was higher than the evening dose and dogs received the second meal after 4 to 5h of the morning insulin and meal. Parameters evaluated included insulin dosage, 12- and 8-h glycaemic curves, complete blood count, biochemical profile and urinalysis. Glycaemic curves were analysed by ANOVA with repeated measures. Glycaemic control parameters (fasting, mean, minimum and maximum glycaemia and serum fructosamine) and glucose area under the curve (AUC) were calculated and analysed by paired t test (p<0.05). In feeding method 1, dogs fed the sorghum-based diet presented lower mean (p=0.04) and minimum blood glucose concentrations (p=0.03), and a tendency to lower maximum blood glucose (p=0.06) and glucose AUC (p=0.08) than when fed the rice-based diet. When food was provided twice a day, the ingestion of the rice-based diet resulted in higher post-prandial glucose response than the diet with sorghum and lentil. In feeding method 2, there was no effect of diet on the assessed parameters (p>0.05). No differences in insulin dosage were observed between groups or feeding methods (p>0.05). Providing two meals a day followed by insulin administration associated with the sorghum- and lentil-based diet improved glycaemic control in diabetic dogs.

Complete replacement of maize grain with sorghum and pearl millet grains in Jumbo quail diets: Feed intake, physiological parameters, and meat quality traits.

In sub-Saharan Africa, the use of maize (Zea mays L.) grain as an energy source in poultry feeds has become unsustainable due to competing demands and suboptimal growing conditions for the maize crop. Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor Moench L.) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) grains are potential sustainable alternatives, given their tolerance to local growing conditions. Therefore, this study evaluated the effect of total replacement of maize grain with whole or crushed sorghum and pearl millet grains on feed intake, and physiological and meat quality parameters of Jumbo quail. Five experimental diets were formulated by completely replacing crushed maize grain in a commercial grower diet (CON) with whole sorghum (WSG), crushed sorghum (CSG), whole millet (WMG), or crushed millet (CMG). Three hundred and fifty, two-week-old Jumbo quail chicks (74.7 ± 8.81 g live-weight) were evenly distributed into 35 replicate pens to which the experimental diets were allotted. Statistically similar (P > 0.05) weight gain and FCE values were observed between birds reared on the control and pearl millet-based diets. However, birds fed with sorghum-based diets had the lowest FCE and weight gain. Blood parameters fell within the normal ranges reported for healthy quail. Birds fed the whole sorghum grain diet had the least (P < 0.05) serum calcium and higher monocytes, cholesterol, and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations compared to those reared on the control diet. Compared to the control, the whole sorghum-containing diet reduced (P < 0.05) carcass, breast, wing, thigh, drumstick, liver, gizzard, and large intestine weights of the birds. Complete replacement of maize grain with pearl millet grain (whole or crushed) did not compromise feed intake, growth performance, and meat quality traits of the Jumbo quail birds. However, whole sorghum grain reduced growth performance of the birds.

Low-tannin sorghum grain could be used as an alternative to corn in diet for nursery pigs.

This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that low-tannin sorghum grain produced in China as a potential substitute for corn in diets could not impair the performance of nursery pigs. A total of 60 pigs (7.2±1.2kg) were randomly assigned to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment. Corn-based diet (CBD) included 60% corn grain during the overall experimental period, and sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 30% (d 1 to 14) or 60.55% (d 15 to 28) sorghum grain in partial or total replacement of corn grain. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and indispensable amino acids. The results demonstrated no differences in growth performance or apparent digestibility of gross energy between treatments over the whole period. However, the substitution of corn by sorghum reduced (p<0.05) or tended to reduce (p=0.09) apparent digestibility of crude protein associated with an increased faecal nitrogen excretion per weight gain (p<0.05). Pigs fed SBD had higher contents of urea nitrogen, total triglyceride and insulin in serum than those fed CBD (p<0.05). Visceral organ weights or antioxidant enzyme activities in serum or liver were not different between treatments. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase amylase activity in jejunal mucosa (p<0.05) or trypsin activity in duodenal mucosa (p=0.08). Replacement of corn by the low-tannin sorghum in diets did not influence the microbiota community based on alpha and beta diversity in caecal and colonal digesta. Overall, the home-grown low-tannin sorghum could be an alternative energy source in diets for pigs without adverse effects on growth performance.

Feeding Behavior of Lactating Dairy Cattle Fed Sorghum-Based Diets and Increasing Levels of Tannic Acid

Tannins have been used to trigger positive effects on ruminal metabolism and increase ruminant production efficiency, since they increase the supply of dietary protein in the small intestine. Increasing levels of tannic acid in a sorghum-based diet on the feeding behavior of five Holstein/Zebu crossbred lactating dairy cows was evaluated. They were subjected to a 5 × 5 Latin square experimental design, with fivelevels of tannin as dry matter (DM) in the diet (0.46, 1.30, 2.60, 3.90, and 5.20%). The levels of the tannic acid added were established based on the quantity of condensed tannin in high-tannin sorghum. Thus, diets 2, 3, 4 and 5 were supplemented with 1.5 g (13% DM), 79.5 g (2.6% DM), 157.5 g (3.9% DM), and 235.5 g (5.2% DM) of tannic acid, totaling 0.078, 0.156, 0.234, and 0.321 kg of tannin/day, respectively. Feeding behavior variables included the following states and events: feeding, drinking, rumination, and inactivity; the frequency of visiting the feed and water troughs; and the occurrence of urination and defecation. Water was provided ad libitum, and its intake was measured during periods of behavioral data collection. The use of two tannin sources (hydrolysable and condensed) corresponding to the total level of 5.20% (on a DM basis) in the diet of lactating dairy cattle does not affect the animals’ health. Tannic acid can be included in the diet of lactating dairy cattle at a level of 3.93% (on a DM basis) without inducing variation in the total time spent daily on feed intake. Dairy cows dilute the effects of dietary tannin (5.20%) through greater fragmentation of food consumption in the hours following its supply (180 min). The astringent effects caused by tannin intake in lactating dairy cows are mitigated by increasing the daily water intake as the amount of tannin in the diet increases, starting at a level of 3.90% tannin (on a DM basis).

Sorghum as a dietary substitute for corn reduces the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in pigs

This study was conducted to determine whether sorghum as a potential substitute for corn in diets affects the activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes in pigs. Sixty pigs (7.3 ± 1.3 kg initial weight) were allotted to 2 diets with 5 replicate pens per treatment according to sex and weight in a randomized complete block design. A corn-based diet (CBD) included 600 g/kg of corn grain during the overall experimental period, and a sorghum-based diet (SBD) consisted of 300 g/kg (day 1–14) or 566 g/kg (day 15–28) of sorghum grain at the partial or complete expense of corn in CBD. Both diets were formulated to contain the same amount of digestible energy and essential amino acids. No differences were observed in average daily gain or feed intake between treatments. However, substituting sorghum for corn in diets tended to reduce (P = 0.087) or reduced (P < 0.05) feed efficiency. Apparent digestibility of gross energy and crude protein was decreased (P < 0.05) in pigs fed the diets comprising sorghum, regardless of the substitute level, associated with the increased faecal excretion of energy and nitrogen. Serum urea nitrogen concentration in SBD was greater than that in CBD (P < 0.05). Pigs fed SBD had or tended to have lower superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and greater malondialdehyde content in serum (P < 0.05) or liver (P = 0.085) than those fed CBD. Amylase and lipase activities were decreased in duodenal mucosa (P < 0.05), and lipase (P < 0.05) and trypsin activities (P = 0.092) in jejunal mucosa were reduced and tended to be reduced in pigs fed SBD. Compared with CBD, SBD increased or tended to increase crypt depth in duodenum (P < 0.05) or jejunum (P = 0.094) coupled with the decrease in villus height/crypt depth in duodenum (P = 0.086) and ileum (P < 0.05). Collectively, sorghum as a dietary substitute for corn changed intestine morphology and reduced activities of digestive enzymes and antioxidant enzymes which may have been responsible for the reduced energy and nitrogen utilization and feed efficiency in pigs.

Turmeric powder in the diet of Japanese quails improves the quality of stored eggs

SUMMARY This study evaluated the effect of turmeric powder (TP) on the productivity and egg quality of quails and on the quality of eggs stored at different temperatures for 7 or 14 d. Quails were distributed in three treatments that consisted of sorghum-based diets with 1.5% and 3% TP or zero TP inclusion, with five replicates for 84 d. Eggs were stored at ambient temperature or refrigerated for 7 or 14 d in a 3 × 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with three TP levels × two storage temperatures (ST) × two storage periods (SP). Inclusion of TP did not affect the performance of the quails or egg quality at 84 d. Interaction SP × ST influenced the height and diameter of yolk and albumen, and the Haugh unit value. Eggs of quails with a diet supplemented with 3% TP and stored for 14 d showed specific gravity similar to the eggs stored for 7 d, despite the TP supplementation. It was concluded that diets with 3% TP did not affect the performance and quality of fresh eggs but improved the quality of eggs stored for 14 d at ambient temperature.

Effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs

Ruminants can tolerate moderate concentrations of dietary tannin, making it feasible to replace corn with sorghum in ruminant diets; however, conditioning temperature of pelleted total mixed ration (PTMR) greatly affects nutrient digestibility. The objective was to determine effects of grain type and conditioning temperature during pelleting on growth performance, ruminal fermentation, meat quality and blood metabolites of fattening lambs. This was a 2 × 3 factorial study, with corn and sorghum and three conditioning temperatures (65, 75 and 85 °C) in a randomized complete design, with 36 lambs (120 ± 10.2 d and 24.9 ± 3.3 kg) grouped by weight and randomly allocated. The resulting six PTMRs were referred to as 65-S, 75-S and 85-S for sorghum-based diets, and 65-C, 75-C and 85-C for corn-based diets, for low, medium and high pelleting temperatures, respectively. There was no grain type × conditioning temperature (Grain × Temp) interaction on growth performance and apparent nutrient digestibility. Furthermore, grain type did not affect DM intake (DMI), average daily gain (ADG) or feed conversion ratio (FCR) of fattening lambs. Pelleting at 75 °C improved ADG (P < 0.03) and FCR (P < 0.02) of fattening lambs compared to other temperatures. There was a Grain × Temp interaction (P < 0.01) on ruminal pH (lowest in lambs fed 75-S). There tended (P = 0.07) to be a Grain × Temp interaction for total volatile fatty acid (VFA), and there were Grain × Temp interactions for molar proportions of acetate (P < 0.04), butyrate (P < 0.03) and branch-chained VFA (P < 0.01). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had greater molar proportion of propionate (P < 0.03) and lower acetate to propionate ratio (A:P, P < 0.04). Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had higher plasma concentrations of urea nitrogen (N) (P < 0.03), glucose (P < 0.01) and alkaline phosphatase (P < 0.05), whereas other blood metabolites were not affected by treatments. There were Grain × Temp (P < 0.03) interactions for color coordinates of longissimus and mid-gluteal muscle. Lambs fed sorghum-based PTMR had lower (P < 0.01) dressing percentage and meat quality than those fed corn-based PTMR. We concluded that sorghum can replace corn in lamb diets without compromising growth performance and feed efficiency; furthermore, feeding sorghum vs corn improved rumen fermentation, with reduced A:P ratio and enhanced N and glucose utilization. Finally, pelleting at 75 °C increased feeding value of either sorghum- or corn-based PTMR for fattening lambs.

Utilization of macro-nutrients and minerals in captive greater one-horned rhinoceros fed season-specific diets.

This experiment was conducted to study nutrient and mineral utilization in greater one-horned rhinoceros fed season-specific diets. Nine adult greater one-horned rhinoceros (774-2407kg BW) of Sanjay Gandhi Biological Park, Patna, Bihar, India, were used in this experiment. Three digestion trials of 60-d duration were conducted per animal, out of which 55days was adaptation period and 5days was collection period. The amount of concentrate was kept constant during all the trials. Green fodder sources were sugarcane, berseem (Trifolium alexndrinum) and chari (Sorghum bicolor) during trials I, II and III respectively. Green fodders were offered 20% in excess of previous day's intake in the afternoon. Apparent digestibility of dry matter and crude fibre was higher (p<.01) in group II as compared to other groups. Apparent digestibility of crude protein was lowest (p<.01) in group I, followed by group III, and the highest value was observed in group II. Apparent digestibility of Ca and P was lower in greater one-horned rhinoceros fed sugarcane and sorghum as green fodder source. In spite of this, sugarcane and sorghum-based diets were able to meet the requirement of Ca, P, Fe and Mn. Berseem supplied Ca in excess of requirement. All the diets were deficient in Zn. Hence, a suitable supplement of Zn should be added to the conventional zoo diet of greater one-horned rhinoceros.

165 Digestibility of energy and dietary fiber by growing pigs and concentrations of digestible and metabolizable energy in corn- or sorghum-based diets without or with microbial enzymes

Abstract An experiment was conducted to test the hypothesis that inclusion of an enzyme premix (xylanase and cellulase) in diets based on corn or sorghum and fed to growing pigs improves the apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy and total dietary fiber (TDF) and concentration of digestible energy (DE) and metabolizable energy (ME). Two basal diets based on corn and soybean meal or sorghum and soybean meal were formulated. Four additional diets were formulated by adding 40% distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) or 40% wheat middlings to each of the 2 basal diets. Each of these 6 diets were formulated either without or with an enzyme premix that contained xylanase and cellulase. A total of 144 pigs (61.7 ± 5.3 kg) were allotted to a randomized complete block design with 12 diets and 12 replicate pigs per diet. Pigs were housed individually and adapted to the diets for 12-d, then moved to metabolism crates and after 4 d, urine and feces were collected for 5 d. Data were analyzed as 2 × 2 × 3 factorial with 2 types of diets, two enzymes treatments, and three by-product inclusions. The pig was the experimental unit. The ATTD of gross energy (GE), and DE and ME improved (P &amp;lt; 0.01) if enzymes were added to the diets regardless of the grain source or by-product inclusion (Table 1). No effect of enzymes on ATTD of TDF was observed, ATTD of TDF was greater if DDGS rather than wheat middlings was added to the corn diet (grain source × by-product interaction, P &amp;lt; 0.05). In conclusion, addition of enzymes may have the potential to improve the ATTD of GE, and DE and ME in mixed diets based on corn or sorghum and both without and with inclusion of DDGS or wheat middlings. 3Enz = enzyme premix supplied by ADM Animal Nutrition, Quincy, IL, USA.

Vegetable pigments in sorghum-based diets for laying hens

The main objective of this research is to evaluate the inclusion of different natural pigment solutions in diets formulated with maize and sorghum solutions on the growth performance and egg quality of commercial laying hens created in hot climates. Throughout the conduction of this experiment, were used 252 laying hens of the Hisex Brow, in a completely randomized design, with six treatments, seven repetitions, and six birds per plot. The experimental diets were assigned with different energy sources and adding pigmentation solutions, diet 1 (corn), diet 2 (corn + annatto), diet 3 (corn + carrot), diet 4 (sorghum), diet 5 (sorghum + annatto), diet 6 (sorghum + Carrot). Afterward, being evaluated the performance and quality of eggs. It was observed significant difference with reference t egg production, egg weight (g), gem weight (g), the weight of shell (g), albumin in weight (g), and gem coloration (tons) among the treatments. There was no difference in the parameters of performance and quality of eggs evaluated, only the variable yolk color had a significant effect between treatments. Replacing the energy source of the corn diet with sorghum in the diet of laying hens at peak production provides similar performance and egg quality, which can be a substitute for quality and efficiency. The use of annatto and carrots as a natural pigmentation promotes greater pigmentation of the egg yolks of laying Hisex Brown eggs and does not impair the performance of the birds.

Influence of feed form on the standardised ileal amino acid digestibility of common grains for broiler chickens

The present experiment was carried out to determine the influence of feed form (FF) on the apparent ileal digestibility coefficients (AIDC) of dry matter (DM), starch and, standardised ileal digestibility coefficients (SIDC) of nitrogen (N) and amino acids (AA) in different grain types (GT). Eight experimental diets were developed in a 4 × 2 factorial arrangement of treatments that included four GT (maize, sorghum, wheat and barley) and two FF (mash vs. pellet). A N-free diet was also used to determine the endogenous N and AA losses for the calculation of SIDC values. Titanium dioxide was incorporated in all diets as an indigestible marker. Ileal nutrient digestibility was determined using the direct method. The four assay diets were formulated to contain 938 g/kg grain as the sole source of AA and starch in the diet. The assay diets and N-free diet were randomly allotted to six replicate cages (eight birds per cage) and fed from 19 to 23 d post-hatch and the ileal digesta was collected on d 23. Pelleting reduced (P < 0.05) the AIDC of DM in all test grains. A significant (P < 0.001) GT × FF interaction was observed for AIDC of starch. Starch digestibility was unaffected by FF in maize- and sorghum-based diets but was reduced in pelleted wheat- and barley-based diets. The GT had a significant (P < 0.05 to 0.001) effect on the SIDC of N and AA. In general, the average values for SIDC of AA were higher in maize followed by sorghum or wheat and barley. The FF showed no significant (P> 0.05) effect on the SIDC of N and AA except cysteine and proline, in which the SIDC values were higher (P < 0.05) in mash than the pelleted diets. Overall, the present data suggest that the physical form of the feed can impact the digestibility of DM, starch and AA in broilers. Because the FF effect on nutrient digestibility can vary depending on the grain type and nutrient, the FF effect should be taken into account in feed evaluation assays to achieve the optimum use of nutrients especially AA.

Effect of Substituting Maize Based Stock-feed Diets with Sorghum on the Performance of Quails

Sorghum has a high similarity to maize and therefore a good substitute for maize based diets in poultry stock-feed. Additionally, sorghum is processed just like maize in both dry and wet milling techniques. Nonetheless, a general misconception in Zambia is that all sorghums have anti-quality factors (tannins). This misconception may have resulted in its underutilisation in poultry feed in Zambia. However, various tannin free varieties and hybrids developed by the Sorghum &amp; Millets Improvement Programme are available in Zambia. Kuyuma, a tannin free white sorghum variety was used to determine the suitability of using non-tannin white sorghum varieties in quail feed. In this study a maize-based stock-feed diet for quails was substituted with sorghum at four levels: 25%, 50%, 75% and 100% in quail meat production. This was followed by measuring: (i) The weekly feed intake, (ii) The weekly gain in body weight and (iii) The weekly feed conversion ratio of quails.The performance of quails fed on a maize-based diet was identical to quails fed on a sorghum-based diet at nearly all levels of substitution. The conversion ratios of maize and sorghum were also similar. Non-tannin white sorghums like Kuyuma can effectively substitute maize in quail diets. Utilising sorghum in poultry diets could increase its social-economic value and help to reduce the cost of producing meat.