The Effects of Germination of Low - Tannin Sorghum Grains on its Nutrient Contents and Broiler Chicks Performance

Abstract

Sorghum (Fetrita) was soaked in water for 12 hours, germinated for 3, 5 and 7 days in a shadow under cover and dried by sunlight for 2 - 3 days. Crude protein and tannin content of germinated sorghum were determined and it`s metabolizable energy value was calculated. Four isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets were formulated using Fetrita germinated for zero (control), 3, 5 and 7 days each in a starter and a finisher diet and were fed to unsexed commercial broiler chicks (Hypeco) for 42 days. The results showed that by seventh day of germination crude protein increased by 31%, tannin content increased by 100% and reached toxic level and metabolizable energy was decreased by 6%. Germination of low - tannin sorghum for 3 days had no effect on feed intake, body weight gain and feed conversion ratio of broiler chicks throughout the whole period. Increase in days of germination decreased growth of broiler chicks. It seems that germination of low - tannin sorghum grains has little beneficial effects on broiler chicks` performance and it increased tannin concentration.