Corn (Zea mays Linn.), sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (Linn.) Moench) and wheat (Triticum aestivum Linn.) as energy sources in broiler and layer diets

Results of the broiler experiment showed no significant differences (P0.05) among treatments in terms of body weight gain, livability and dressing percentage. Proximate analysis revealed lower crude protein content of the diets compared with their corresponding calculate nutrient composition. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME) of sorghum-based diet was similar to that of the wheat-based diet but significantly lower than corn-based finisher diet. Broilers fed corn-based diet had significantly lower-feed consumption (finisher diet) and better feed efficiency than those fed sorghum-based diet. Feed consumption and feed efficiency of broilers fed wheat-based diet were similar to those fed corn-based diet except for the significant difference in feed efficiency during the finisher period. Supplementation of wheat-based diet with enzyme c significantly improved the feed efficiency of broilers at both periods relative to those fed unsupplemented wheat-based diet. Highest income over feed and chick cost was obtained from broilers fed sorghum-based diet. Enzyme c supplementation of wheat-based diet yielded the highest returns among the enzyme supplements used. The layer experiment showed that egg production, egg weight, body weight gain and livability were not significantly different (P0.05) among treatments. Pullets fed corn-based diet had significantly higher (P0.05) feed consumption and poorer feed efficiency compared to those fed other diets. Pullets fed sorghum-based diet laid eggs with significantly thicker shell (P0.05) than those fed corn or wheat-based diets. Yolk color score of eggs produced by pullets fed corn-based diet was significantly higher (P0.05) than those fed sorghum or wheat-based diets. Income over feed cost (IOFC) was highest in pullets fed unsupplemented wheat-based diets and lowest in pullets fed corn-based diet