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This study compares in situ, in vitro (DaisyII and gas production) and in vivo techniques to estimate the degradation of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), and N of sorghum grain. We used whole dried sorghum (WDS), dry cracked sorghum (DCS), the reconstituted whole sorghum silage (WSS) and reconstituted cracked sorghum silage (CSS). The residues obtained from the ruminal digestion in vitro (DaisyII) and in situ were analysed for their intestinal digestion (pepsin-pancreatin). OM was similar (981.32 ± 0.52) in all treatments, WSS showed the highest (P < .001) crude protein (CP) concentration compared with the other treatments, whereas CSS showed the highest amount of starch (P < .001) compared to other treatments. The apparent degraded substrate (ADS) was higher (P < .038) for whole sorghums, rumen degradable protein (RDP) was higher for WDS and WSS (P = .003), while protein digestible in the intestine (PDI) was higher for sorghums silage (P < .001) compared with dry sorghums. ADS was higher (P < .022) using the in sacco technique compared with the other methods, while for the RDP and PDI methods in sacco and in vitro (Daisy) showed the better degradation compared with in vivo. The reconstituted ensiling sorghum grains had a favourable response in the availability of nutrients, compared with dried sorghums. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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One experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of guanidinoacetic acid (GAA) supplementation in broilers fed corn or sorghum-based diets on live performance, carcass and cut up yields, meat quality, and pectoral myopathies. The treatments consisted of corn or sorghum-based diets with or without the addition of GAA (600 g/ton). A total of 800 one-d-old male Ross 708 broiler chicks were randomly placed in 40 floor pens with 10 replicates (20 birds per pen) per each of the four treatments. At hatch, 14, 35, and 50 d, BW and feed intake were recorded. BW gain and FCR were calculated at the end of each phase. Four broilers per pen were selected and slaughtered at 51d and 55d of age to determine carcass and cut up yields, meat quality and myopathies (spaghetti muscle, white striping, and wooden breast) severity in the Pectoralis major. Data were analyzed as a randomized complete block design in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with grain type and GAA supplementation as main effects. At 50 d, diets containing GAA improved (P < 0.01) FCR (1.682 vs. 1.724 g: g) independently of grain type. At 55 d, broilers fed corn diets with GAA had higher breast meat yield (P < 0.05) compared to corn without GAA. Drip and cook loss, and shear force (Warner-Bratzler) were not affected (P > 0.05) by GAA supplementation at any slaughter ages. However, GAA decreased (P < 0.05) the ultimate pH at 51 and 55 d in breast meat samples compared to unsupplemented diets. At 51 d, broilers supplemented with GAA had double (P < 0.05) breast meat fillets without wooden breast (score 1) compared with broilers fed non-supplemented diets, therefore reducing the severity of this myopathy. In conclusion, GAA supplementation improved broiler live performance in broilers raised up to 50 d independently of grain source, increased breast meat yield in corn-based diets and reduced the severity of wooden breast myopathy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two hundred (200) 1-d old (Hubbard strain) broiler chicks were used to evaluate the effect of condensed tannin in different sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) varieties on the growth performance and nutrient digestibility of broiler chickens. The birds were randomly assigned to five (5) experimental diets of four (4) replicates each at ten (10) birds per replicate in a completely randomized design in a forty-two day feeding trial. Diet D1 contained 100% maize; D2 and D3 contained 50% and 100% red sorghum variety (RSV) while D4 and D5 contained 50% and 100% white sorghum variety (WSV) respectively as replacement for maize. The RSV had higher tannin content than WSV. Birds fed WSV based diets had higher (P≤0.05) weight gain with better feed conversion ratio than those fed RSV based diets. The sorghum based diets had a more digestible ether extract and nitrogen free extract (P≤0.05) than those fed D1. Conclusively, WSV could completely replace maize because of the lower (condensed) tannin levels while above 50% RSV replacement for maize may be deleterious. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of adding different turmeric amounts to sorghum-based diets for Japanese quails on animal performance, animal metabolism, yolk colour, egg quality, blood and liver biochemical parameters and sensory attributes of the eggs. The study included 210 egg-laying quails aged 50 days and lasted for 90 days. The study had a completely randomised design with six treatments and five replicates with seven birds per replicate. A control corn-based feed and sorghum-based feeds to which different turmeric levels were added (0%, 0.5%, 1.0%, 1.5% and 2%) were tested. The results showed that the sorghum-based feeds with added turmeric levels did not affect animal performance, metabolisation of protein and ether extract, internal and external quality of eggs, serum biochemical profile, including calcium, phosphorous, protein and liver transaminase enzymes. Blood cholesterol and triglyceride levels decreased when ≥0.5% percentages of turmeric were added to the feed. Yolk colour of the treatments differed significantly from that of the control, but the yolks were considered well suited for consumption. Turmeric reduced the cholesterol and triglyceride levels in egg-laying quails. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prediction equations for digestible energy (DE) of sorghum grains fed to pigs have been generated based on chemical composition in our study. However, an in vitro method mimicking gastrointestinal digestion of pigs is more applicable to predict DE of feed ingredients in practice. This study evaluated in vitro DE (IVDE) and digestibility of gross energy (GE) in 28 samples of sorghum grain with a wide range in nutrient profiles using a 3-step computer-controlled simulated digestion system (CCSDS) and generated prediction equations based on IVDE and in vitro GE disappearance (IVGED) for previously determined DE and apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of GE. The IVDE (3305–4068 kcal/kg), IVDE/GE (0.72–0.91), IVGED (0.72–0.90), and in vitro dry matter (DM) disappearance (0.73–0.89; IVDMD) were quite variable and had a high negative correlation with tannin content in sorghum grain (r ≤ −0.90, P  < 0.01). The IVDE or IVDE/GE was highly positively correlated with determined DE or DE/GE ( r  = 0.97 or 0.96, both P  < 0.01), and linear relationship between DE and IVDE (kcal/kg of DM) or between DE/GE and IVDE/GE was observed in 28 sorghum cultivars: DE = 0.62 × IVDE + 1462 ( R 2  = 0.93, RMSE  = 40.9 kcal/kg, P  < 0.001), or DE/GE = 0.626 × IVDE/GE + 0.331 ( R 2  = 0.92, RMSE = 0.01, P  < 0.001). Differences of less than 50 kcal/kg or 0.02 were observed in 23 or 24 of the 28 samples between determined and predicted DE or DE/GE. Similarly, the positive relationship between ATTD of GE or DM and IVGED or IVDMD was high ( r  = 0.95 and 0.93, respectively, both P  < 0.01), and the prediction equations based on in vitro values were 0.595 × IVGED + 0.351 ( R 2  = 0.90, RMSE = 0.01, P  < 0.001) for ATTD of GE and 0.644 × IVDMD + 0.327 ( R 2  = 0.87, RMSE = 0.01, P  < 0.001) for ATTD of DM. Differences between determined and predicted values were smaller than 0.02 in 25 or 24 out of the 28 samples for ATTD of GE or DM. In conclusion, tannin negatively affects the in vitro enzyme digestion of energy content in sorghum grain. The 3-step enzymatic method using CCSDS could be a promising in vitro digestibility technique to predict DE and digestibility of GE in sorghum gain for pigs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Germination of millets (sprouts) increases activity of enzymes in grains and availability of amino acid, vitamins and trace minerals to chicken. These nutrients are required for growth, immunity and anti-oxidant system in biological system. An experiment was conducted to study the effects of feeding sprouts of korra, ragi, bajra and sorghum at 5% of expected feed intake from day one to 42 d of age. Total phenolic content among the millets was higher in sprouts of bajra followed by ragi, korra and sorghum in order (148, 110, 95 and 90 mg GAE/g, respectively). A group without feeding sprouts was kept as control. Maize-soybean meal diets having recommended concentrations of nutrients for starter (1-21 d) and finisher (22-42 d of age) phases were fed to all the groups. Maximum and minimum temperature and humidity during the 6-week experimental period were 32.17 and 25.1°C and 60.8 and 33.4%, respectively. Body weight gain and feed efficiency at 42 d of age, slaughter variables (ready to cook yield, relative weights of liver, breast, abdominal fat) and immune responses (antibody titres against ND vaccine, CMI response to PHA-P) were not affected due to feeding of sprouted grains. Lipid peroxidation and activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and super oxide dismutase were significantly less in broilers fed sprouted millets compared to the control group. Based on the results, it is concluded that oxidative stress could be reduced in broiler chicks reared during summer season in open sided poultry house without affecting performance, carcass variables and immune responses. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present experiment was designed to evaluate the sweet sorghum (SS) silage which is both grain and forage yielding type, with or without supplementation in a 120 d growth-cum-digestion trial to develop SS silage based feeding system for growing ram lambs. Twenty four ram lambs (11.33 ±0.12 kg) were randomly divided into four groups of six each and fed SS silage, SS silage supplemented with dried subabul leaves, concentrate mixture and ground maize grain at 1% of their live weight. Digestibility study was conducted at the end of the growth trail following collection period of 7 days. The CP content of SS silage was 8.44%. ADG (g) was significantly (P<0.01) higher in lambs fed SS silage with supplements than without supplements. Feed conversion ratio (DMI kg/kg gain) in Nellore growing ram lambs ranged from 6.56-9.02 and significant difference (P<0.01) was observed among the experimental groups. Among the supplemental groups cost ( )/kg live weight gain was significantly (P<0.01) highest in ram lambs fed with concentrate followed by supplementation with dried subabul leaves and ground maize grain. No significant difference was found among the four groups for digestibility coefficients except for EE (P <0.01). Lambs fed on sole SS silage had significantly lower DMI, DCP and TDN intake (P <0.01) than those fed on SS silage with supplemental diets. Feeding sweet sorghum silage with supplements like top feeds, compound feed and maize grain at 1% of their body weight improved performance, nutrient digestibility and met energy/ protein requirements in growing lambs. It is concluded that supplementation of SS silage with ground maize at 1% of their live weight is considered to be economical for rearing of growing ram lambs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Effect of partially substituting improved grasses - Napier (Pennisetum purpureum) and Guinea grass (Panicum maximum) combination - with 50% corn or sorghum silages on dry matter intake (DMI), milk production and body condition scores of nine Holstein-Friesian x Sahiwal cows were determined in a 23-day feeding trial. Cows were grouped and distributed following a 3x3 Latin Square Design based on 10-100, 101-200 and >200 days-in-milk (DIM.) No significant differences were observed on all of the response variables for 10-100 and 101-200 DIM fed with the three treatments. Morning DMI (7.07 kg) and total DMI (13.68 kg) of cows at >200 DIM was greatest (P =0.03) on animals fed 100% improved grass. Corn silage substitution at 50% of total DMI had the highest (P=0.05) afternoon milk yield (3.13 L/day) compared to the other two dietary treatments. In conclusion, corn or sorghum silage can replace improved grasses at 50% DM requirement without any general effect on milk production and body condition score. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: This study aimed to assess the effect of pelleted and expanded sorghum-based feeds prepared with different moisture levels and particle size of ingredients on metabolizable energy, ileal digestibility of amino acids and broiler performance. Methods: The experiment was performed with 720 male broiler chicks of the Cobb strain, with treatments of six replications, with 15 birds each; they were arranged in a completely randomized design and 2×2×2 factorial scheme (pelleted or expanded feed processing, 0.8% or 1.6% moisture addition in the mixer, and particle size of 650 or 850 microns). Results: Higher pellet quality (pellets, % and pellet durability index [PDI]) was obtained in expanded diets and inclusion of 1.6% moisture. The particle size of 850 microns increased the PDI of final diet. All studied treatments had no significant effect on weight gain and broiler carcass and cut yields. Lower feed conversion occurred for birds fed pelleted feed at 42 d. The highest apparent metabolizable energy (AME) and apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen balance (AMEn) values of feed in the initial rearing phase (10 to 13 days) were observed in birds fed pelleted feed or for feed prepared with 1.6% moisture. The highest ileal digestibility coefficients of amino acids were obtained with the consumption of pelleted feed prepared with a particle size of 650 microns and 1.6% moisture. Conclusion: Pelleted feed prepared with a milling particle size of 650 microns and 1.6% moisture provided increased ileal digestibility of amino acids and AMEn in the starter period. However, the expanded feed improved pellet quality and feed conversion of broilers at 42 days of age. We conclude that factors such as moisture, particle size and processing affect the pellet quality, and therefore should be considered when attempting to optimize broiler performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum grain can be used to replace corn in broiler diets. However, the effects related to an abrupt change between these grains are not yet clear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the performance and intestinal health of broilers fed diets containing corn and/or sorghum during different periods of rearing. To accomplish this aim, 2100 male chicks were fed the following experimental diets: C100% (corn-based diet); S100% (sorghum-based diet); C:S50% (diet based on corn and sorghum 1:1); PC-S (corn-based diet in the pre-starter phase and sorghum-based diet in subsequent phases); and PS-C (sorghum-based diet in the pre-starter phase and corn-based diet in subsequent phases). The study was conducted with two simultaneous trials in a randomized block design as follows: a performance trial up to 40 days occurred in floor pens ( n = 8), and the metabolism trial occurred in cages ( n = 10). Performance, jejunal morphometry, number of goblet cells, apparent metabolizable energy ( AME), apparent metabolizable energy corrected for nitrogen ( AMEn) and the coefficient of apparent metabolizability of dry matter ( CMDM) of the diets, and the intestinal microbiota of small intestine and caeca at 10 and 21 days of age (16S gene sequencing) were evaluated. The different experimental diets did not affect performance, jejunal epithelium, AME, AMEn or CMDM. However, the experimental diets altered the percentages of the genera Clostridium, Weissella, Bacillus and Alkaliphilus in the small intestine. In addition, the genera Lactobacillus and Desulfotomaculum in the caeca were altered. The age also affected the microbiota of the intestinal segments. In conclusion, feeding sorghum in place of corn as well as the grain change after the pre-starter phase does not alter broiler performance. However, sorghum alters the intestinal microbiota, resulting in a lower percentage of Clostridium and a higher percentage of Lactobacillus in the small intestine and caeca, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary partial corn replacement by white sorghum (WS) or triticale (T) on growth performance, carcass parameters and pH of meat in broilers. One-day-old unsexed Cobb 500 broilers (n=600) were randomly assigned to 3 groups with 4 replicates per treatment. The broilers were fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous corn-soybean meal control diets (C), corn-WS-soybean meal diets (WS) or corn-T-soybean meal diets (T) for 35 days. The WS or T partially replaced corn; proportions in diets were 275.4 g/kg or 284.0 g/kg (starter), 307.0 g/kg or 308.2 g/kg (grower) and 332.7 g/kg or 335.0 g/kg (finisher). Results showed that performance (body weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion ratio) or carcass traits (carcass yields, breast, leg, wings, liver and abdominal fat percentage) at 35 d were not affected by the inclusion of WS or T in diets. The pH values of breast (Pectoralis major) and thigh (Biceps femoris) muscle at 30 min and 24 h after slaughter were not influenced by the dietary treatments. In conclusion, partial corn replacement with white sorghum or triticale are suitable options for broiler chicken diet, with no adverse effects on growth performance, carcass characteristics or meat pH, as important quality parameters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data from 16 trials were compiled to calculate microbial CP (MCP) production and MP requirements of growing cattle on high-forage diets. All cattle were individually fed diets with 28% to 72% corn cobs in addition to either alfalfa, corn silage, or sorghum silage at 18% to 60% of the diet (DM basis). The remainder of the diet consisted of protein supplement. Source of protein within the supplement varied and included urea, blood meal, corn gluten meal, dry distillers grains, feather meal, meat and bone meal, poultry by-product meal, soybean meal, and wet distillers grains. All trials included a urea-only treatment. Intake of all cattle within an experiment was held constant, as a percentage of BW, established by the urea-supplemented group. In each trial the base diet (forage and urea supplement) was MP deficient. Treatments consisted of increasing amounts of test protein replacing the urea supplement. As protein in the diet increased, ADG plateaued. Among experiments, ADG ranged from 0.11 to 0.73 kg. Three methods of calculating microbial efficiency were used to determine MP supply. Gain was then regressed against calculated MP supply to determine MP requirement for maintenance and gain. Method 1 (based on a constant 13% microbial efficiency as used by the beef NRC model) predicted an MP maintenance requirement of 3.8 g/kg BW0.75 and 385 g MP/kg gain. Method 2 calculated microbial efficiency using low-quality forage diets and predicted MP requirements of 3.2 g/kg BW0.75 for maintenance and 448 g/kg for gain. Method 3 (based on an equation predicting MCP yield from TDN intake, proposed by the Beef Cattle Nutrient Requirements Model [BCNRM]) predicted MP requirements of 3.1 g/kg BW0.75 for maintenance and 342 g/kg for gain. The factorial method of calculating MP maintenance requirements accounts for scurf, endogenous urinary, and metabolic fecal protein losses and averaged 4.2 g/kg BW0.75. Cattle performance data demonstrate formulating diets to meet the beef NRC model recommended MP maintenance requirement (3.8 g/kg shrunk BW0.75) works well when using 13% microbial efficiency. Therefore, a change in how microbial efficiency is calculated necessitates a change in the proposed MP maintenance requirement to not oversupply or undersupply RUP. Using the 2016 BCNRM to predict MCP production and formulate diets to meet MP requirements also requires changing the MP maintenance requirement to 3.1 g/kg BW0.75. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two experiments evaluated the use of post-ethanol extraction sorghum silage as an alternative forage source in feedlot diets. Seventy-two crossbred steers (397 kg [SD 23]) were used to evaluate growth and carcass characteristics. Steers were blocked by BW into pens of 6 steers and randomly assigned to growing diets containing 40% (DM basis) sorghum silage (SS; 57.6% NDF) or grass hay (CON; 63.3% NDF) for 56 d (n = 6 pens per treatment). Within each treatment, steers transitioned to dry-rolled corn-based finishing diets (fed for 56 d) containing 6% effective NDF contributed by the forage source, resulting in forage inclusions of 16% for SS and 13.1% for CON, where forage replaced corn. A subsample of steers (n = 12 per treatment) housed in pens equipped with GrowSafe bunks were used for determination of growing phase diet total tract digestibility. From d 28 to 42, steers received titanium dioxide at approximately 10 g-1⋅steer-1⋅d-1, and fecal samples were collected on d 41 and 42. Fecal and total mixed ration samples were dried and ground for analysis of DM, OM, NDF, ADF, CP, ether extract (EE), and starch. Data were analyzed with the MIXED procedure of SAS, with fixed effects of treatment and block for performance and carcass data or treatment for digestibility data; significance was determined at P ≤ 0.05 and tendencies at P ≤ 0.10. Growing phase DMI and ADG did not differ due to treatment (P ≥ 0.19); however, SS-fed steers had improved G:F compared with CON-fed steers (P = 0.04). Finishing period ADG and G:F did not differ (P ≥ 0.15) between treatments, despite SS-fed steers having lesser (P = 0.008) DMI than CON-fed steers. No differences in DMI, ADG, or G:F over the whole trial were noted between treatments (P ≥ 0.12) nor were any carcass traits affected (P ≥ 0.23). During the digestibility assessment period, DMI was less (P = 0.003) in SS-fed steers. Growing phase total tract apparent digestibility of DM and starch did not differ (P ≥ 0.19) due to treatment; however, OM digestibility tended to be greater (P = 0.09) in SS-fed steers. Steers fed SS had greater (P ≤ 0.03) digestibility of EE, CP, NDF, and hemicellulose than CON-fed steers. However, CON-fed steers had greater (P < 0.0001) ADF digestibility than SS-fed steers. These data suggest that postextraction sorghum silage can be effectively used in feedlot diets as an alternative forage source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aims at investigating the effects of different grain sources during pre-hatch (from diet of the breeders) and post-hatch (from the diet of broilers) on coloration (Roche color fan scores; L*, lightness; a*, redness; and b*, yellowness) as well as the growth performance in yellow-skinned chickens at market age (42 days old). In this experiment, six thousand yellow-skinned broiler breeders at 27 weeks were fed with a corn or sorghum and barleybased diet in which contained high (+) or low (-) xanthophyll levels, respectively. After the beginning of the trial, from day 41 to 42, eggs from two treatments were collected to artificial incubation. In this trial, 2x2 factorial designs were used and male chicks hatched from breeders fed with a corn or sorghum-based diet. According to the results, it demonstrated that hens fed with a corn-base diet were observed an elevated coloration both in the eggs and newly-hatched chicks (p<0.05). The dietary pigments improved pigment deposition in the egg yolk and the tissue of newly-hatched chicks. Besides, there was no difference in growth performance attributed to dietary grain sources both from hens or chicks. There showed no difference of coloration in abdominal fat, shank or breast skin (or kept at 4°Cfor 24 hours and 7 days) between two breeder grain sources (p>0.05). However, abdominal fat, shank and breast skin from the broiler chicks fed with the corn-based diet had a significantly higher RFC scores, a*and b* value than that fed with the sorghum and barley-based diet. The current results indicated that the broiler dietary grain sources (different xanthophyll contents), other than the breeder dietary grain sources influenced the pigmentation in abdominal fat, shank and breast skin and the skins stored at 4°Cin broiler. Therefore, it can be suggested that a low xanthophyllcontaining diet (sorghum and barley-based diet) might be applied in yellow-skinned broiler breeders without causing negative effects of coloration or growth performance on their offspring at market age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary white sorghum (WS), as partial substitute of corn on blood parameters, digestive organ size and intestinal microflora of broilers at 35 d. Cobb 500 broilers (n=400), assigned to 2 groups, were fed with isocaloric and isonitrogenous corn-soybean meal control diets (C) or corn-WSsoybean meal diets (WS), where corn was partially replaced (50%) with WS. At 35 d, sixteen broilers per group were selected for blood sampling, gastrointestinal (GIT) measurements, digesta pH and ileum microflora analysis. There was no effect (P>0.05) of the dietary WS inclusion on blood biochemistry parameters, GIT development and digesta pH of broilers. In our study, dietary WS significantly reduced the ileal population of Enterobacteriaceae (-1.38%; P<0.0001) and E. coli (-1.16%; P=0.020), and increased the Lactobacillus spp. (+1.07%; P=0.014) compared with the C diet. In conclusion, feeding white sorghum, as partial substitute of corn in broiler diets, did not affect blood parameters, digestive organ size and digesta pH, that support the obtained performance. In addition, sorghum had a positive effect of the ileal microflora increasing the beneficial bacterial Lactobacillus spp. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to evaluate the effect of corn or sorghum diet and canthaxanthin (CX) supplementation on performance in broiler breeders. A total of 440 females with similar body weight (BW) (3.71 ± 0.14 kg) and 60 roosters were placed in an open-sided house with 20 pens, randomly distributed in a factorial arrangement (2 × 2). There were 4 diets of 2 ingredients; corn (CO) or sorghum (SO) and 2 levels of CX; 6 mg/kg (CX) and 0 mg/kg (NCX) totaling 5 replicate pens of 22 females and 3 males each, from 42 to 65 wk, divided in 2 periods (from wk 42 to 53 and wk 54 to 65). Birds’ BW was measured every 28 d and mortality rate was calculated at the end of trial. Egg production (%), egg specific gravity (g/cm3), egg weight (g), yolk weight (%), albumen weight (%), eggshell weight (%) and yolk colorimetric score were measured weekly. Incubation parameters were recorded in 12 incubations to evaluate hatching eggs, hatching (%), hatchability (%), fertility (%), weight of the chicks born and their quality. The BW, mortality, percentage of yolk and albumen weight, fertility and some incubation parameters were not affected (P > 0.05) by diets used. An increase in the egg production, hatching eggs, chicks born and first quality chick by hen at the second period were observed in CX breeder’s diets (P = 0.0066; P = 0.0060; P = 0.0368; P = 0.0326). Egg specific gravity and eggshell weight were improved at the first period by SO+CX diet (P = 0.0138; P = 0.0209) and the same effect to egg weight, but at the second period (P = 0.0251). The CX was well absorbed from the diet and effectively transferred to the egg yolk, thereby increasing egg yolk pigmentation in the both periods (P < 0.0001). The CX supplementation in broiler breeder diets improved the productive and reproductive performance (laying% and hatchable eggs) at the second period, also to the both periods improved the egg yolk pigmentation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Nutritive value of stovers from 4 sorghum varieties (Pant Chari 5, PKV 809, CSV 17 and CSV 20) that were selected from a previous breeding program for their relative nutritive value was assessed using the in vitro and in vivo methods. Samples for in vitro and in vivo studies were harvested separately. For the in vivo studies, 16 adult Jalauni sheep (19.1 ± 0.35 kg) were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 4) and offered chopped stover from CSV 20, PKV 809, Pant Chari 5 and CSV 17 varieties, respectively along with 200 g of concentrate mixture. After a 30-day feeding, 5 days of metabolism trial was conducted to determine dry matter intake (DMI), nutrients digestibility and nitrogen balance. For in vitro study, crude protein (CP) concentration of CSV 20 was lowest (P < 0.05) compared with the other varieties. The NDF and hemicellulose contents were highest (P < 0.001) in CSV 20. The CP content in chaffed stover used for the animal study increased marginally for all varieties except for Pant Chari 5 (45.3 g/kg DM) which had the lowest CP content. Buffer soluble protein (P B1 ), P A and P C fractions of the stovers were higher (P = 0.006) in CSV 17 compared with the other stovers. Although CSV 20 had the lowest (P < 0.001) P A and P C fractions, it had similar (P > 0.05) P B1 , P B2 and P B3 fractions with one or more of the other stovers. In vitro dry matter digestibility was highest (P = 0.002) for CSV 17 and lowest for Pant Chari 5. Stover estimated DMI values varied between 0.0156 to 0.0164 of BW of the sheep with lower (P < 0.001) DMI noted for CSV 20 versus the other varieties. Greater (P < 0.05) cumulative gas production and rate of gas production (k) were noted for CSV 20 and Pant Chari 5 compared with others. Similar trend was also noted in the in vitro methane production, PF and SCFA concentration of the stovers. No difference was noted in the intake and digestibility of DM of the stover varieties. Sheep fed CSV 17 had significantly higher (P < 0.05) nitrogen intake and fecal nitrogen (11.2 and 4.18 g/d, respectively), and a tendency (P = 0.07) for higher urinary nitrogen and nitrogen balance. Overall, results showed that sheep had higher stover intake and better nutrients digestibility, more nitrogen balance and higher nutritive value (digestible CP and metabolizable energy) from CSV 17 and PKV 809 sorghum stover based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum is the second cereal used in pigs' diets in Brazil, which has a lower cost than corn, thus this experiment aimed to study the effects of high-moisture sorghum silage grain with high- and low-tannin contents on silage quality and piglets' performance. A total of seventytwo weaned piglets were allocated into randomized blocks with six replicates and four treatments, based on diets with dry corn grain (DCG); dry sorghum grain with low-tannin (LTSG), high-moisture sorghum grain silage with low-(LTSS) and high-tannin (HTSS). The ensiling process decreased total and condensed tannin contents to 31% and 98% for LTSS and, to 80% and 93% for HTSS, respectively. No treatment effects observed on average daily feed intake and average daily weight gain. The feed:gain ratio of piglets fed LTSS was greater than piglets fed LTSG. At total period, piglets fed HTSS showed a similar feed:gain ratio than piglets fed DCG or LTSG, although it was worse than animals fed LTSS. The LTSS and HTSS can replace corn or sorghum dry grains in diets of weanling pigs with no adverse effects on growth performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of the current study was to compare the effects of dietary enzymes and nutrient restriction on performance and bone mineralization in birds fed wheat- or sorghum-based diets. A total of 720 d-old male broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 8 treatments, with 6 replicates per treatment and 15 birds per replicate. Birds were reared in floor pens from 0 to 35 d. The study used a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement with 2 grains (sorghum or wheat) and 4 diets: positive control (no enzyme and ME, digestible Lys, Ca, and P sufficient, negative control (NC; no enzyme and reduced ME [-100 kcal/kg], digestible AA [-2%], Ca [-0.12 percentage points], and available P [-0.18 percentage points in the starter phase and -0.22 percentage points in the grower phase]), NC + nonstarch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes + phytase (500 phytase units [FTU]; NCCP), and NC + phytase (1,000 FTU; NCP). From 0 to 35 d, birds fed wheat-based diets had greater G:F (4.5%), BW gain (9.2%), breast meat yield (6.8%), and tibia ash (2.0%) compared with birds fed sorghum-based diets. Across grain types, the NCCP treatment improved BW gain (P < 0.001), feed intake (P < 0.001), G:F (P < 0.05), and livability (P < 0.001) compared with the NC treatment. Birds fed NCP had greater BW gain (P < 0.001), feed intake (P < 0.001), G:F (P < 0.001), and livability (P < 0.001) compared with birds fed NC. Birds fed the NCP diet had greater BW gain (P < 0.001), toe ash (P < 0.01), and tibia ash (P < 0.001) compared with birds fed the NCCP diet. There was a grain × diet interaction for feed intake (P < 0.01), BW gain (P < 0.001), tibia ash (P < 0.01), and tibia breaking strength (P < 0.05). The influence of enzymes was more pronounced in sorghum-based diets than in wheat-based diets. Birds fed wheat-based diets had greater ileal digestibility of His, Met, Val, Phe, Ile, Leu, Trp, Glu, Pro, Ala, Tyr, and Cys compared with those fed sorghum- based diets (P < 0.05). Across grain types, NCP had greater apparent ileal digestibility of Met, Lys, Ser, Pro, Gly, and Cys than NC (P < 0.05). The results suggest that wheat is superior to sorghum for broilers, as expected, but that enzyme supplementation has the capability to restore the compromised bird performance due to feeding sorghum. In addition, compared with nonstarch polysaccharide-degrading enzymes and phytase (500 FTU/kg feed) added in concert, phytase supplemented at 1,000 FTU/kg resulted in a further improvement of some of the performance and bone mineralization parameters in male broilers fed sorghum-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] intercropped with tropical grasses can be used in silage production systems to increase the dry matter yield per area, provide pasture after sorghum harvesting and improve land-use efficiency (LUE). Our objective was to compare the production and quality of sorghum silage intercropped with palisade grass [Urochloa brizantha (A. Rich.) Stapf 'Marandu'] or guinea grass [Megathyrsus maximus (Jacq.) B.K. Simon & S.W.L. Jacobs 'Tanzânia'] with that of monocropped sorghum, the pasture in the off-season, as well as the land equivalent ratios of these systems during two growing seasons (2010-2011 and 2011-2012). The experiment was designed as a randomized complete block with four replicates. The treatments were: monocropped sorghum silage, sorghum silage intercropped with palisade grass and sorghum silage intercropped with guinea grass. The productivity of the intercropped systems was as high as that of the monocropped sorghum. The development of the sorghum was not affected by intercropping with grasses. Intercropping sorghum with tropical grasses generally increases the fiber content of the silage compared with monocropped sorghum; however, this is a viable option for producing feed with adequate nutritional quality. Intercropping sorghum with palisade grass improved the land equivalent ratio, resulting in greater LUE. Intercropping sorghum with palisade and guinea grass also improved the relative N yield compared with monocropped sorghum and did not influence aggressivity and relative crowding coefficient. The main benefit of these intercropping systems is established grazing during the off-season, which can be considered a good cultivation strategy for tropical regions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Tropical Grasslands / Forrajes Tropicales is the property of International Centre for Tropical Agriculture - CIAT and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Ten nutritionally-equivalent diets containing 620 g/kg grain sorghum, based on seven blends and three varieties (Block I, HP, Liberty), were offered to a total of 360 male Ross 308 chicks from 7 to 28 days post-hatch. The effects of dietary treatments on growth performance, nutrient utilisation, starch and protein (Nitrogen) digestibility coefficients, disappearance rates and starch:protein disappearance rate ratios in the distal jejunum and distal ileum were determined. On the basis of response surface contour plots, the optimal weight gain of 1439 g/bird would be generated by a 79.2-20.8 blend of HP and Liberty and the optimal feed conversion ratio (FCR) of 1.486 by a 55.6-44.4 HP-Liberty blend. Similarly, the optimal nitrogen-corrected apparent metabolisable energy (AMEn) of 12.38 MJ would be generated by a 32.0-68.0 blend of HP and Liberty and the optimal apparent metabolisable energy to gross energy (AME:GE) ratio of 0.845 by a 31.1-68.9 HP-Liberty blend. Thus Block I sorghum was effectively rejected. Instructively, Block I contained higher concentrations of kafirin, phenolic compounds and phytate than the two other sorghum varieties. Across the ten diets, sorghum concentrations of these three factors were negatively correlated with AME:GE ratios or efficiency of energy utilisation. These negative linear regressions indicate that all three factors may be contributing to sub-standard starch/energy utilisation in broiler chicks offered sorghum-based diets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Arquivo Brasileiro de Medicina Veterinaria e Zootecnia is the property of Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Escola de Veterinaria and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites or posted to a listserv without the copyright holder's express written permission. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)

Fodder harvesting, transporting and its chopping is a major resource consuming component in dairy farming business. To do all these operations simultaneously, a tractor operated flail type forage harvester cum chopper was developed in the Department of FM&PE, PAU, but the machine could not become popular at farmer's field because of uneven size of cut of fodder. For this, flail unit of forage harvester was studied to develop a tractor operated flail type forage harvester with chaffing system. Flail unit of forage harvester was studied for different flail peripherial speeds (3 levels : 25, 29 & 35 m/s ) and forward speeds (3 levels : 2.5, 3.8 & 4.6 km/h ) for harvesting sorghum fodder. Height of cut, percent size of cut in between 10 and 20 cm and more than 20 cm reduced with increase in flail peripheral speed at all forward speed of machine. Percent size of cut less than 10 cm, harvesting efficiency, flail throw efficiency, material capacity and fuel consumption increased with increase in flail peripheral speed at all forward speed of machine. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of replacing corn with sorghum in feed on performance, carcass yield, and composition of specialized meat cuts in quails. A total of 1200, 1-day-old female quails were raised up to 42 days of age. The completely randomized design consisted of four treatments with six replicates each and with 50 quails in each cage. Treatments consisted of four levels of sorghum replacement in the diet (0, 40, 60, and 100% sorghum). All birds were weighed to assess the weight gain. Feed conversion was calculated as the relationship between feed intake and weight gain. Mortality was reported daily and calculated at the end of each week. At 42 days, the birds were slaughtered and the carcass, thigh and drumstick, and breast yields were assessed. Mineral matter, ether extract, and crude protein analyses were performed using breast cuts and thigh + drumstick cuts. No significant differences were noted in cut performance, yield, or composition. Thus, it can be concluded that the ground grain sorghum can entirely replace corn in quail feed, as it does not negatively affect carcass performance, yield, and nutritional quality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present research studied the integrated assessment of the potential as conserved ruminant feed of combined sorghum- Jack bean or Velvet bean.Data of whole plant sorghum silage supplemented with dry beans of Jack beans (JB) and whole plant sorghum-Jack beans silage or whole plant sorghum-Velvet bean (VB) silage from Lima-Orozco et al. (2014) were used to assess the integration of agronomic considerations in an overall evaluation including biomass production, nutritive value and conservation quality. The metabolisable energy (ME) content of the combined sorghum-JB silages was 1.26 times greater than the ME content of pure sorghum silage supplemented with dry beans from JB. Additionally a greater amount of protein digestible in the small intestine (dCPSI) was observed (62.9 vs 43.5 g/kg DM). It was concluded that the ME content and dCPSI of the sorghum- JB silages are 1.26 or 1.44 times higher than sorghum-JB silage or for pure sorghum silage supplemented with dry beans from JB. Moreover, a much larger surface is required for the sorghum silage and dry JB alternative. Hence, combined sorghum-JBsilage seemed the best alternative studied here in terms of DM yield, dCPSI and ME supply. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Sorghum is recommended to be grown in drier areas, being able to exploit the salty soils where the cereal growing is more difficult. For an efficient use in the animal organism, the grains of sorghum should be prepared by grinding, being also possible to be used in the compound feed recipes or in the mixtures of concentrates, and the sorghum plants through ensilaging. Some varieties of sorghum contain higher amounts of tannin, which negatively affects the animal performances. The purpose of the current study was to compare the chemical composition of two sorghum hybrids with other feeds for cattle or swine feeding. The recorded data showed that the chemical composition of the two analyzed sorghum hybrids was close, as there were no differences between the samples of grain or of pickled forage. The chemical composition of sorghum grains was close to that of maize, except for the crude protein, which was higher and that of crude fat, which was lower. Sorghum silage showed a higher content in ash and crude fiber, while crude protein, crude fat and N-free extractives were lower compared to maize silage. The calculated values for gross energy of analyzed forages are within the recommended values from the speciality literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Crossbred steers (British × Continental; n = 192; initial BW 391 ± 28 kg) were used to evaluate the effects of feeding ethanol coproducts on feedlot cattle growth performance, apparent nutrient digestibility, and carcass characteristics. Steers were blocked by initial BW and assigned randomly to 1 of 6 dietary treatments within block. Treatments (replicated in 8 pens with 4 steers/pen) included 1) control, steam-flaked corn-based diet (CTL), 2) corn dried distillers grains with solubles (DGS; DRY-C), 3) deoiled corn dried DGS (DRY-CLF), 4) blended 50/50 corn/sorghum dried DGS (DRY-C/S), 5) sorghum dried DGS (DRY-S), and 6) sorghum wet DGS (WET-S). Inclusion of DGS was 25% (DM basis). The DGS diets were isonitrogenous, CTL was formulated for 13.5% CP, and all diets were balanced for ether extract. Final shrunk BW, ADG, and DMI did not differ among CTL and DGS treatments (P ≥ 0.19). Overall G:F did not differ from CTL for DRY-C, DRY-CLF, or WET-S (P ≥ 0.12); however, G:F was 9.6% less for DRY-S compared with CTL (P < 0.01) and tended (P = 0.09) to be less for DRY-C/S than CTL. For grain source, ADG and G:F were less for DRY-S vs. DRY-C (P < 0.05), but blending DRY-C/S tended (P = 0.07) to increase ADG and increased (P = 0.05) carcass-adjusted G:F vs. DRY-S. For WET-S, final BW and ADG were greater (P < 0.05), and G:F tended (P = 0.06) to be greater than for DRY-S. There was no difference in ADG, DMI, or G:F of steers fed DRY-C vs. DRY-CLF (P ≥ 0.35). Apparent DM and OM digestibility did not differ for CTL, DRY-C, DRY-CLF, and WET-S (P ≥ 0.30) but were lower for DRY-C/S and DRY-S (P < 0.05). Nutrient digestibility was lower for DRY-S vs. DRY-C (P < 0.01), but apparent digestibility of OM, DM, NDF, ADF, CP, ether extract, and starch were increased (P < 0.01) for DRY-C/S vs. DRY-S. Although starch digestibility did not differ between DRY-S and WET-S (P = 0.18), digestibility of other measured nutrients was greater for WET-S vs. DRY-S (P < 0.01). Ether extract digestibility was greater for DRY-CLF vs. DRY-C (P < 0.05). Carcass weight, dressing percent, and marbling score did not differ between CTL and DGS diets (P ≥ 0.23). For DRY-S, HCW was lower than for DRY-C (P = 0.02); however, compared with DRY-S, HCW tended to be greater for DRY-C/S (P = 0.10) and WET-S (P = 0.07). At a moderately high (25% DM) inclusion, blending C/S or feeding WET-S resulted in cattle growth performance and carcass characteristics similar to those of CTL and corn-based coproducts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A completely randomized lactation trial was conducted to compare the production response of lactating Holstein cows to diets based on corn or forage sorghum silage harvested from 2 crops. Corn was planted in March and harvested in July (corn silage-summer; CSS) and a second corn crop was planted in July and harvested in November (corn silage-fall; CSF). A brachytic dwarf brown midrib forage sorghum was planted in April, harvested in July (forage sorghum-summer; FSS), fertilized, and harvested a second time in November (forage sorghum-fall; FSF). All forage was ensiled in plastic bags and stored until the production trial began. Silages contained (dry matter basis) 8.0, 8.5, 9.0, and 9.5% crude protein; 39.0, 38.3, 54.2, and 55.1% neutral detergent fiber; and 3.6, 2.8. 7.7, and 7.8% acid detergent lignin, for CSS, CSF, FSS, and FSF, respectively. Forty-eight mid-lactation Holstein cows (153.5 ± 37.2 d in milk, 35.7 ± 6.2 kg/d of milk, 3.2 ± 0.6% fat, 611.8 ± 67.0 kg of body weight, and 2.96 ± 0.09 body condition score) were assigned randomly to 1 of the 4 diets differing in forage source. Cows were individually fed experimental diets once daily behind Calan doors for 5 wk. Diets were formulated to contain 38.7% of the experimental forages and balanced to provide equal concentrations of protein, fiber, and energy. No differences were observed in dry matter intake and yields of milk and components, but milk fat percentage was lower for CSS and CSF compared with FSS and FSF, being 3.20, 2.91, 3.42, and 3.53%, respectively. Milk lactose percentage was lower for CSS compared with CSF but was not different from FSS or FSF. Concentrations of milk urea nitrogen were lower for CSS and CSF compared with FSS and FSF (10.6, 13.4, 14.9, and 15.3 mg/dL, respectively). No differences were observed in body weight or body condition score change during the trial. Results of this trial suggest that silage produced from brachytic forage sorghum, as either the first or the ratoon crop, can support similar intake and performance as diets based on corn silage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study evaluated the effects of millet and corn oil additions to sorghum-based diets on the performance, carcass yields and prime cuts (i.e., wings, breasts, thighs and drumsticks) and the relative weights of edible offal (i.e., gizzard, heart, and liver) of broiler chickens. A total of 684 Hubbard Flex chickens, including 342 broilers of each sex, were housed. The design was completely randomized, and the following diets were supplied: A) sorghum and soybean meal + soybean oil (control); B) sorghum and soybean meal + corn oil; and C) sorghum and soybean meal + millet and soybean oil. Six replicates with 38 birds each (19 males and 19 females) were evaluated regarding each experimental diet. At 14, 21, 35 and 42 days of age, the feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability of the chickens were evaluated. At 42 days, the live weight, carcass yield, prime cuts and relative weight of the edible offal were measured. The dietary inclusion of either millet or corn oil did not affect any of the parameters. In conclusion, additions of millet and corn oil to sorghum-based diets of broilers do not compromise poultry performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An experiment was carried out at the Entomology Laboratory, Horticultural College and Research Institute for Women, TNAU, Trichy in November-December 2013 to estimate the comparative storage losses in split pulses caused by Sitophilus oryzae L. under room and controlled conditions. A completely randomized design (CRD) was used with seven treatments (T1= sorghum, T2 = red gram, T3= chick pea, T4 = black gram, T5 = green gram, T6= fried gram and T7= lentil) each replicated four times. The assessed parameters were per cent weight loss, number of F1 progeny and per cent grain damage. Among the split pulses red gram dhal was found to be the most suitable host of pulse feeding population with 58.25 and 43.00 F1 progeny production, 93.50 and 91.25 per cent grain damage and 28.14 and 37.15 per cent weight loss under room and controlled condition followed by green gram, chick pea, black gram, fried gram and lentil. The assessed parameters were higher in sorghum feeding population on sorghum grains than at pulse feeding population on pulse grains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of feeding sorghum dried distillers grains with solubles (DDGS) in grain sorghum-or corn-based diets on pig growth performance, carcass characteristics, and carcass fat quality. A total of 288 finishing pigs (BW 58.8 ± 4.43 kg; Line TR 4 × 1050, PIC, Hendersonville, TN) were used in a 73-d study. Pigs were allotted to 1 of 6 dietary treatments with 6 pens of 8 pigs per treatment. Treatments included grain sorghum-based diets with 0%, 15%, 30%, or 45% sorghum DDGS (29.0% CP, 7.2% ether extract); a grain sorghum-based diet with 30% corn DDGS (25.7% CP, 8.7% ether extract); and a corn-based diet with 30% corn DDGS. The diets were formulated to 0.95%, 0.83%, and 0.71% standardized ileal digestible Lys in phases 1, 2, and 3, respectively, and were not balanced for energy. On d 73, a subsample of 72 pigs (1 barrow and 1 gilt/pen) was harvested at Kansas State University's Meats Laboratory. Carcass traits were calculated, as well as 10th-rib LM color, marbling and firmness, and fat color score. Fat samples from the 10th rib were collected and analyzed for fatty acid profile, which was used to calculate iodine value (IV). The remaining pigs were transported to a commercial packing plant (Triumph Foods, St. Joseph, MO) for carcass measurement and jowl IV determinations. Overall, increasing the dietary sorghum DDGS reduced (linear, P < 0.01) ADG and increased (linear, P < 0.01) back fat IV. Pigs fed increasing sorghum DDGS had decreased 10th-rib fat a* (less red) and b* (less yellow; P < 0.01 and 0.06, respectively). No differences were observed in growth performance or back fat IV among pigs fed corn-or grain sorghum-based diets with 30% corn DDGS. Pigs fed the grain sorghum-based diet with 30% corn DDGS had fat color that was more yellow (b*; P < 0.03) than that of pigs fed the grain sorghum-based diet with 30% sorghum DDGS. Pigs fed the grain sorghum-based diet with 30% sorghum DDGS also had decreased back fat IV (P < 0.01) and fat that was whiter (L*; P < 0.02) than that of those fed the grain sorghum-based diet with corn DDGS. Pigs fed grain sorghum with 30% sorghum DDGS had lower (P < 0.01) back fat IV than pigs fed corn with 30% corn DDGS. Feeding a grain sorghum-based diet with increasing sorghum DDGS reduces ADG when diets are not balanced for energy but, when fed at 30% of the diet, produces firmer pork fat than feeding a corn-based diet with 30% corn DDGS, which may be preferred for pork export markets. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J. E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) is an economically significant pest of sorghum and maize. Laboratory bioassays are often conducted for convenience and for fall armyworm confinement but as the number of entries and replications increase, the replenishing of fresh tissue daily and the cleaning of insect diet cups or petri dishes becomes laborious. The current study was conducted to determine if agar plates, used to retain leaf moisture, supplemented with benzimidazole, a fungicide that delays leaf senescence and retards fungicide growth, can be used to assess fall armyworm feeding on fresh maize and sorghum leaf tissue with minimal labor. We conducted 2 trials consisting of 3 cultivars of maize with known resistance or susceptibility to fall armyworm feeding, and 4 cultivars of sorghum that are parents of existing mapping populations. The top 2 (whorl) leaves were removed from 36-37- day old plants, 7.6 cm long pieces of leaf were excised, and each piece was placed on a benzimidazole agar plate. One larva per plate was placed on the leaf tissue; the plate was sealed with Parafilm and placed in an incubator for 7 days. Average larval weights for Trial 1 were significantly different than Trial 2 after 7 days, and thus each trial was analyzed separately. For both trials, the larvae that were fed susceptible maize line 'AB24E' had weights that were significantly greater than larvae fed resistant maize lines 'Mp708' and 'FAW1430'. No significant differences in weight were observed for fall armyworm larvae fed on the 4 sorghum lines except for those larvae fed 'Collier' in Trial 2, which had weights significantly greater than larvae fed the other 3 sorghum cultivars (Entry 22, 'Honey Drip', 'AN109'). Thus, the benzimidazole agar plate method is an easy and effective method for assessing fall armyworm feeding on maize and sorghum, and thus can be used to identify maize and sorghum germplasm lines with resistance to fall armyworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Para evaluar el efecto de la adición de un complejo enzimático en una mezcla de sorgo en la digestibilidad verdadera del nitrógeno (DVN) y energía metabolizable (EMV) en gallos, se realizó un experimento con 56 gallos de la línea Bovans Brown. Se establecieron tres niveles de granulometría (G) para la mezcla de sorgo: 1, 3 y 5 mm. Se desarrollaron seis tratamientos: T1) mezcla de sorgo sin complejo enzimático, + G1 mm; T2) mezcla de sorgo con complejo enzimático + G1 mm; T3) mezcla de sorgo sin complejo enzimático + G3 mm; T4) mezcla de sorgo con complejo enzimático + G3 mm; T5) mezcla de sorgo sin complejo enzimático + G5 mm y T6) mezcla de sorgo con complejo enzimático + G5mm. Se aplicó diseño completamente aleatorizado, con arreglo factorial 3 x 2 y ocho gallos (repetición) por tratamiento. No se encontraron diferencias estadísticas para los factores granulometría y presencia o no del complejo enzimático en la EMV (16.04 MJ/kg MS). Para la DVN, hubo interacción en el complejo enzimático y la granulametría (P < 0.001). El T4 tuvo la mayor digestibilidad (95.82 ± 1.66 %) y el T2 la menor (83.43 ± 2.71 %). Se concluye que la adición del complejo enzimático no afecta las variables evaluadas. Sin embargo, se recomiendan usar la mezcla de sorgo con granulometría de 3 mm, ya que se mantiene la EMV y aumenta la DVN. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study describes the radiation-induced effects on nutritional quality and on anti-nutritional factors of sorghum grain: effects of electron beam (ER) and gamma irradiation (GR) at doses of 10, 20 and 30 kGy and infrared irradiation (IR) at 60, 90 and 120 s on the chemical composition, mineral content and bioavailability, in vitro protein and starch digestibility, total phenolic compound, phytate and tannins contents of sorghum grain, were investigated. The results showed that chemical composition were unchanged (P>0.05) by the irradiations. GR, ER and IR resulted in an increase in the digestibility of starch by 3.8, 5.4 and 6.8%, respectively. In vitro protein digestibility was reduced by 23% in IR, where as GR and ER increased crude protein digestibility of sorghum grain by 6.6 and 5%, respectively (P>0.05). The levels of phytic acid and tannins were significantly reduced by irradiations while the total phenols were increased relative to unprocessed control samples. The results indicated no substantial change in mineral content and bioavailability amongst the sample, with exception of significant (P>0.05) increase in extractable calcium, phosphorus, zinc and iron. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The use of peanut hay, sorghum silage and a protein-energy supplement (MUSS-LACTIOBIOL) was evaluated in a starting bull fattening diet. Sixty animals were employed divided in two groups: treatments A and B with average starting live weights of 334 and 361 kg ± 7 kg and stabulated for 113 and 93 d, respectively. Animals were slaughtered at 430 ± 7 kg live weight. Diets consisted of the MUSSLACTIBIOL supplement supplied at a rate of 1.37 kg.d-1 per animal; 10.2 and 8.2 kg of sorghum silage and peanut hay, respectively in humid basis. They were adjusted in proportions (%) for both groups at: 11, 20 and 69 (dry basis) of the MUSS-LACTIBIOL supplement, sorghum silage and peanut hay, respectively. A simple classification design was employed with the previously mentioned treatments. A variance analysis was applied for the means of the productive indicators. Animals of lower initial LW gained more LW daily and at the end of the experiment those of higher initial LW consumed more DM, ME and CP and needed more of those nutrients for succeeding in gaining 1 kg LW. There was a direct negative relationship (R² = 0.89 P < 0.001) between the initial LW and daily gain. Data obtained demonstrated that with a supplement: fibrous feed relationship of 11:89 it is feasible gains close to 1 kg (0.976 and 0.829 kg.anim.d-1) where the peanut hay contributed 69 % of the DM and the CP, and 67 % of the ME, though there is the possibility of generating technologies of meat production with agricultural fibrous waste products. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two series of in vitro and in vivo experiments have been conducted in order to investigate microwave irradiation (900 W, 2450 MHz frequency) on sorghum grain. Also, quantitative color analysis of untreated and microwaved irradiated sorghum grain, L⁎, a⁎ and b⁎ color parameters (CIE) and total color differences (ΔE⁎) were investigated. The color analysis revealed an increase (linear effect, P<0.001) in total color differences which is dominated by L⁎, a⁎ and b⁎ variations. In the first experiment, in vitro gas production kinetic and crude protein digestibility of triplicate untreated and microwave irradiated sorghum grain for 3, 5 and 7 min have been studied through using a completely random design. In the second experiment, to investigate effects of microwave irradiation on apparent nutrient digestibility and serum metabolites, three treatments including untreated and microwave irradiated sorghum grain (3 and 5 min) have been supplemented with alfalfa hay (in ratio of 60:40) and fed to twelve adult Ghezel x Arkhar-merino crossbred male sheep (35.9±6.38 kg body weight) on the basis of a completely random design with four replicates for 21 days. Results indicate that microwave processing increased linearly cumulative gas production up to 24 h post incubation (P<0.01) and decreased the lag time significantly (P<0.001). in vitro digestibility of crude protein was significantly decreased (P<0.001) compared with untreated sorghum as microwave irradiation time increased up to 7 min. Results of in vivo experiment revealed that there were no effects of microwave irradiation, neither on apparent digestibility of crude protein, nor on neutral detergent fiber, nor on acid detergent fiber, whereas its dry matter, organic matter and starch apparent digestibility were increased linearly (P<0.01) by irradiation for 5 min. Compared with diet including untreated sorghum grain, significantly higher (P<0.05) concentration of total volatile fatty acids (mM) in rumen fluid were observed by diets containing microwave treated sorghum grain for 3 and 5 min with no difference between these treatments. Moreover, ammonia nitrogen was decreased linearly (P<0.01) as microwave irradiation time increased up to 5 min. Serum metabolites were not affected by feeding microwave irradiated sorghum grain while they were within the normal physiological range in all treatments. Microwave irradiation of sorghum grain for 5 min could improve ruminal escape of protein, in vitro kinetics gas, NH4-N concentration and apparent starch digestibility which are important for animal production and also food production. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

BACKGROUND Sorghum is an advanced biomass feedstock from which grain, sugar and stover can be used for biofuel production. Determinations of specific sugar contents in sorghum stalks help to make strategic decisions during plant breeding, processing, storage and optimization of fermentation conditions. In this study, Fourier transform near infrared ( FT-NIR) spectroscopy was used as a relatively fast, low-cost, high-throughput assay to predict sucrose and glucose levels in stalks of 40 dwarf grain sorghum inbreds. RESULTS The diffuse reflection spectra were pretreated with multiplicative scatter correction ( MSC) and first-derivative Savitzy-Golay ( SG-1). Calibrated models were developed by partial least squares regression ( PLSR) analysis. Martens' uncertainty test was used to determine the most effective spectral region. The PLSR model for stalk sucrose content was built on 380 significant wavenumbers in the 4000-6999 cm−1 range. The model was based on four factors and had RPD = 2.40, RMSEP = 1.77 and R2 = 0.81. Similarly, the model for stalk glucose was built using 4000-9000 cm−1 and six factors, with RPD = 2.45, RMSEP = 0.73 and R2 = 0.81. CONCLUSION PLSR models were developed based on FT-NIR spectra coupled with multivariate data analysis to provide a quick and low-cost estimate of specific sugar contents in grain sorghum stalks. This sugar information helps decision making for sorghum-based biomass processing and storage strategies. © 2014 Society of Chemical Industry [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Se evaluó la aplicación del heno de maní, ensilaje de sorgo y un suplemento proteico-energético (MUSS-LACTIBIOL ) en una dieta para toros en inicio de ceba. Se utilizaron 60 animales, divididos en dos grupos: tratamientos A y B, con pesos promedio de inicio de 334 y 361 kg ± 7 kg, y estabulados durante 113 y 93 d, respectivamente. Se sacrificaron con 430 ± 7 kg de peso vivo. Las dietas consistieron en el suplemento MUSS-LACTIBIOL , suministrado a razón de 1.37 kg.d-1 por animal; 10.2 y 8.2 kg de ensilaje de sorgo y heno de maní, respectivamente, en base húmeda. Se conformaron en proporciones (%) para ambos grupos de: 11, 20 y 69 (base seca) del suplemento MUSS-LACTIBIOL , ensilaje de sorgo y heno de maní, respectivamente. Se utilizó diseño de clasificación simple, con los tratamientos anteriormente mencionados. Se aplicó análisis de varianza para las medias de los indicadores productivos. Los animales de menor PV inicial ganaron más PV, diariamente y al final del experimento los de mayor PV inicial consumieron más MS, EM y PB y necesitaron más de esos nutrientes para lograr ganar 1 kg de PV. Hubo una relación directa negativa (R2 = 0.89Ë‚0.001) entre el PV inicial y la ganancia diaria. Los datos obtenidos demuestran que con una relación suplemento: alimento fibroso de 11:89 es factible ganancias próximas a 1 kg (0.976 y 0.829 kg.anim.d-1) donde el heno de maní aportó 69 %de la MS y de la PB y 67 % de la EM, por lo que es posible generar tecnologías de producción de carne con residuos fibrosos de la agricultura. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study the technical and economic feasibility of using ground sorghum grain in diets for breeding isoproteic to corral British breed calves tested. They were grouped by body weight and assigned to three treatments (T) based on grain sorghum (GS) with different protein sources for 80 days: Grain sorghum (57.96%) with Sunflower Pellet (G) (32, 04%) TI (GSG); Grain sorghum (67.95%) with Pellet soy (S) (22.05%) TII (GSS); Grain sorghum (3.87%) with wheat bran (A) (86.13%) TIII (GSA). The intake of dry matter (DM) had significant differences (P <0.027); the higher DM intake (7.16 kg. /d) was for TI (GSG). The daily weight gains were significantly different (P <0.0116) throughout the study for TI (GSG) and TIII (GSA) respectively. The cost ($ / day / kg daily gain) treatment TIII (GSA) was lower than the other two treatments TI and TII GSG GSS. It was concluded that using grain sorghum isoproteic diets in rearing calves the best production results were achieved when mixed with pellet sunflower or soy as a protein source. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Samples of sorghum distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS) were collected and analyzed to establish a nutrient database and evaluate the quality and consistency between and within 5 ethanol plants in Kansas and Texas. Each sample (n = 21) was analyzed for AA, DM, CP, crude fiber, crude fat, ash, NDF, ADF, trace minerals, and starch. Mean values (DM basis) were 0.88% Lys, 10.49% crude fat, 34.21% CP, and 4,722 kcal/kg GE. The standard deviations among sorghum DDGS plants were similar to those within plants for most nutrients. Results of these analyses were used to formulate diets for 2 nursery trials. The 2 experiments were conducted to determine the effects of adding sorghum DDGS (29.0% CP and 7.2% crude fat) to cornor sorghum-based diets on nursery pig growth performance. In Exp. 1, 360 nursery barrows (6.8 kg and 26 d of age) were used in a 34-d study. Pigs were allotted to 1 of 8 dietary treatments with 5 pigs per pen and 9 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 4 factorial with main effects of grain source (com vs. sorghum) and sorghum DDGS (0, 15, 30, or 45%). Diets were formulated to 1.30 and 1.25% standardized ileal digestible (SID) Lys in phases 1 and 2, respectively, but were not balanced for energy. Overall, there were no differences among pigs fed sorghum- or com-based diets for ADG and ADFI; however, as sorghum DDGS increased from 0 to 45% ofthe diet, ADG decreased (linear, P < 0.01). There was a DDGS × grain source interaction (linear, P < 0.04) observed for G:F. In com-based diets, pigs fed increasing sorghum DDGS had relatively similar G:F. However, in pigs fed sorghum-based diets, G:F was best for those fed 0% DDGS but was decreased in pigs fed 15, 30, or 45% sorghum DDGS. In Exp. 2, 180 nursery pigs (10.7 kg and 38 d of age) were used in a 21-d study with 6 pigs per pen and 5 pens per treatment. Treatments were arranged in a 2 × 3 factorial with main effects of grain source (com vs. sorghum) and DDGS (0 vs. 30% corn or sorghum DDGS). Diets were formulated to 1.27% SID Lys and were not balanced for energy. Overall, there were no differences in ADG among pigs fed sorghum- or com-based diets as well as no differences among pigs fed sorghum or com DDGS. Pigs fed diets with 30% DDGS gained less (P < 0.03) than pigs fed basal diets. These results indicate sorghum can be a suitable replacement for com in nursery pig diets, but increasing sorghum DDGS decreased ADG. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

complete diet (Total Mixed ration) with sorghum stover (40%) as sole roughage source was prepared and offered to animals under two forms: as mash or as expanded-extruded pellets (EEP). These two complete diets were compared with a conventional diet (ad libitum chopped sorghum stover fed separately with concentrate mixture to meet 80% of protein requirements). These three diets were randomly allotted to 30 male lambs for a period of 150 days. The lambs on conventional, mash and pelleted diet grew with an average daily gain of 62.5g, 78.5g and 101.3g, respectively, with superiority (P<0.01) of EEP diet in relation to the others. The lambs fed complete diets were more efficient in utilizing the dry matter (DM) than those fed conventional diet despite lower DMI. The haematological (total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts, and percentage of neutrophil and lymphocyte) and serum biochemical constituents (total protein, albumin, globulin and urea nitrogen concentration) at 0, 75 and 150 d of trial were not affected by diets, except haemoglobin concentration which was significantly higher in lambs fed EEP diet (P<0.001). The lipid peroxidase activity was lower (P<0.05) and the RBC catalase activity (P<0.01) was higher in both groups of lambs fed with complete diet. The humoral immune response against Brucella abortus was higher in lambs fed with EEP diet compared to the lambs fed with mash or conventional diets. The total Ig, IgM or IgG titres against 20% chicken red blood cells were higher in lambs fed complete diets and were not affected by expander extruder processing. The cell mediated immune response of lambs assessed as in vitro lymphocyte assay at 150 d of feeding was higher (P<0.05) in EEP diet followed by those in mash complete diet and lastly by those fed conventional diet. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Standardized ileal digestibilities of amino acids and nitrogen in rye, barley, soybean meal, malt sprouts, sorghum, wheat germ and broken rice fed to growing pigs were determined. Seven cannulated gilts (initial BW 34.8±0.7kg) fitted with T-cannula in terminal ileum were housed in metabolism cages in an air-conditioned room. The tested feeds were used in the diets as sole sources of N. The diets were fed to pigs according to a 7×7 Latin square design. A nitrogen-free diet was used to estimate basal endogenous losses of amino acids and N. The highest standardized ileal digestibility of amino acids was observed in broken rice (0.96) and wheat germ (0.84) while the lowest value was found in malt sprouts (0.61). Digestibility values estimated in soybean meal, barley, sorghum and rye were 0.91, 0.83, 0.82 and 0.77, respectively. The first-limiting ileal digestible amino acids were lysine (rye, barley, sorghum, rice) or sulphur-containing amino acids (soybean meal, malt sprouts, wheat germ). Taking into consideration crude protein and digestible amino acid contents, the best sources of available protein were soybean meal and wheat germ. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The preliminary assessment was designed to determine appropriate inclusion levels of the reducing agent, sodium metabisulphite (SMBS), in ‘all-sorghum’ broiler diets. Dietary SMBS inclusion levels of 0, 1.25, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0gkg−1 were investigated with corresponding reductions (923–908gkg−1) in dietary sorghum concentrations. In vitro evaluations included the determination of concentrations of free sulphydryl groups and disulphide bonds in all-sorghum diets. In vivo parameters included growth performance (14–21 days post-hatch), nutrient utilisation and apparent nitrogen (N) digestibility coefficients in four small intestinal sites in broilers at 21 days post-hatch. In addition, the effect of 5.0gkg−1 SMBS on starch digestibility coefficients and sites of starch disappearance along the small intestine were determined. The reducing agent significantly increased free sulphydryl group and decreased disulphide bond concentrations. SMBS significantly depressed feed intakes at 5.0gkg−1 and at higher inclusion levels and there was a linear reduction in feed intakes (r =−0.783; P<0.001). SMBS had cubic effects on weight gain (r =0.588; P<0.001) and feed conversion ratios (r =0.500; P<0.01). It may be deduced from the relevant regression equations that the optimum SMBS inclusions are 2.47gkg−1 for weight gains and 2.14gkg−1 for feed conversion ratios. SMBS significantly increased apparent metabolisable energy (AME) at inclusions of 1.25, 5.0, 10.0 and 12.5gkg−1. At the lowest inclusion of 1.25gkg−1 SMBS increased AME by 0.39MJ (14.80 versus 14.41MJkg−1; P<0.001) and the most profound response of 0.56MJ (14.97 versus 14.41MJkg−1; P<0.001) was observed at 10.0gkg−1. SMBS linearly increased N retention (r =0.592; P<0.001). In the distal jejunum, SMBS significantly depressed N digestibility coefficients at inclusions of 1.25, 2.5, 10.0, and 15.0gkg−1 and in the distal ileum with SMBS inclusions of 1.25, 10.0 and 15.0gkg−1. SMBS did not influence N digestibility in the proximal jejunum (P>0.60) and proximal ileum (P>0.55). At 5.0gkg−1, SMBS increased starch digestibility coefficients by 3.76% in the proximal ileum (0.966 versus 0.931; P<0.01) and 3.27% in the distal ileum (0.980 versus 0.949; P<0.001). Also, SMBS significantly decreased the quantity of starch disappearance in the proximal jejunum, or abruptly digestible starch, by 16.3% (245.6 versus 293.4gbird−1; P<0.01). It is concluded that birds are able to tolerate dietary inclusions of SMBS approaching 5.0gkg−1 and that SMBS has the capacity to enhance energy utilisation of sorghum-based diets by broiler chickens. Consideration is given to the mechanisms whereby SMBS might enhance energy utilisation. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]