Substitution of Zea mays by Sorghum bicolor on Performance and Gut Histo-Morphology of Ross 308 Broiler Chickens Aged 1-42 d

The influence of feeding low tannin sorghum in broiler chickens on growth and intestinal morphology were evaluated at 1-42 d. A total of 250 day-old broiler chickens were allotted to a complete randomized design with 5 treatments replicated 5 times each having 10 birds. The sorghum levels of 0, 25, 50, 75, and 100% were formulated to be isonitrogenous and isocaloric. Body weight and feed intake were measured on weekly basis to calculate feed conversion ratio. Organ weights, lengths, and pH were measured, and the general linear model of statistical analysis software was used to analyse the data. At 1-21 d, body weight was higher for birds fed a level of 50% than those that are offered 100% maize-based diets. Body weight and FCR of birds given 50%, 75%, and 100% sorghum were higher and better, respectively, than those on 25% and 0% at ages 22-42 d. The crop and gizzard pH were lower and acidic in birds at ages 1-21 d offered the sorghum levels of 50%, 75%, and 100%. The entire GIT length, ileum, and jejunum were longer in birds given 75% and 100% sorghum levels than on other levels. The sorghum level fed to broiler chickens at ages 1-21 and 22-42 d did not influence the histological measurements. It can thus, be concluded that macia sorghum variety up to 100% level can be included in broiler diets at ages 1-42 d without any adverse effects.