Scott Beyer, PhD, a
researcher at Kansas State University in the US has found that grain
sorghum varieties compare favourably to corn in low-cost feed
formulations. Old varieties of grain sorghum contained relatively
high amounts of the anti-nutritional compound, tannin. The presence
of tannin in poultry feeds is known to suppress growth and
performance of all types of poultry. Tannins bind to proteins and
render them less available for metabolism.
Over decades of research, sorghum varieties that contained various
levels of tannin were used to compile tables and other references for
the feeding value of sorghum compared to corn. Many nutritionists
continue to think of it as a lesser grain although new varieties have
been introduced with high relative nutrient values. Some varieties of
grain sorghum containing significant quantities of tannin are still
around but varieties are grown for animal feed that are 99 percent
free of tannin.
The nutrient profile of sorghum is complementary to protein
sources typically used in poultry rations anywhere in the world, and
is very similar to corn. Amino acid digestibility compares favourably
with corn. The fat content of grain sorghum and the energy value for
poultry is slightly lower when compared to corn. However, this
difference can be balanced in rations with other sources of energy.
The big drawback with replacing corn with sorghum is that it
contains smaller quantities of yellow xanthophylls required for egg
yolk pigmentation – which means that even more egg farmers will
resort to adding colouring additives to enhance yolk colour.
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1 comment:
An informative article which compares sorghum with corn when used as poultry feed.Corn, soybean, wheat or barley are normally used feeds.Grains, nuts, vegetables, fruits, fish or meat are all good chicken food. Different types of poultry feeds are also available as bulk or bagged mixes.
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