Replacement of corn in the diet of broiler chickens using foxtail millet produced by 2 different cultivation strategies
2011
Goodarzi Boroojeni, F. | Samie, A. H. | Edriss, M. A. | Khorvash, M. | Sadeghi, G. | Van Kessel, A. | Zentek, J.
Foxtail millet is well-suited to climatic conditions in semi-arid tropic regions where it is cultivated using both agro-ecologic and conventional cultivation practices. This study evaluated the nutritional value, digestibility, and physiological effects of agro-ecologic and conventionally cultivated foxtail millet in comparison with corn. Chemical and TMEn analysis of foxtail millet cultivated conventionally and agro-ecologically indicated similar nutritional value. In total, 432 eight-day-old Ross 308 broiler chicks, using a 2 x 3 factorial arrangement, were randomly assigned to 4 replicate pens for each of 6 isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets. Experimental diets were formulated by replacing corn with conventional or agro-ecologic millet at 3 levels (33, 66, or 100% of corn replacement). Body weight at 21 and 42 d of age was higher (P < 0.05) at 100% millet inclusion versus the lower inclusion levels. At 42 d of age, feed intake and feed conversion ratios were also improved (P < 0.05) at the 100% millet inclusion level. Similarly, the apparent ileal digestibility of CP increased (P < 0.05) for 100% millet diets. There were no differences in ileal digestibility of nutrients between millet growth conditions. Millet inclusion level significantly affected small intestinal morphology such that crypt depth was lowest (P < 0.05) in the 100% inclusion group for duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at 28 d of age, and for duodenum and ileum at 42 d of age. The villus crypt ratio was also highest (P < 0.05) in the 100% millet inclusion group for jejunum and ileum at 28 d of age, and duodenum, jejunum, and ileum at 42 d of age. Millet growth condition did not markedly affect small intestinal morphology. Serum antibody responses to Gumboro and Newcastle diseases were not affected by millet inclusion level or growth condition. In conclusion, foxtail millet could be considered as an alternate cereal for inclusion in the diet of broiler chickens. Broiler chicken performance and physiological responses to foxtail millet were similar whether grown conventionally or using agro-ecologic practices.
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