Utilization of Reconstituted High-tannin Sorghum in the Diets of Broiler Chickens

The present experiment was conducted to assess the effect of reconstitution (R) on utilization of red sorghum (S) in diets of broiler chickens. Day-old broiler chicks (n=360) were randomly divided into 36 groups of 10 chicks each, and 9 dietary treatments were allotted to 4 groups (replicates) in a completely randomized design. Out of the 9 treatments, one was corn-soy based control (D1). The rest of the treatments were diets consisting of four levels (25, 50, 75 and 100% part of corn) of raw red sorghum (S25- S100) or four levels of reconstituted red sorghum (RS25-RS100). The tannin content reduced from 2.3% to 1.6% after reconstitution of red sorghum. Body weight gain reduced significantly (p 0.05) due to the various levels of red-sorghum. It was concluded that though the tannin content was reduced by 30% by the reconstitution process, but this did not give any additional advantage in broiler performance. More over, red-sorghum can be used effectively up to 33% in diet replacing 50% of corn after proper adjustment of proteins, energy and amino acids. (Asian-Aust. J. Anim. Sci. 2005. Vol 18, No. 4 : 538-544)