Replacing agro-ecological and conventional millets for corn and their effect on performance, ileal protein digestibility and TMEn of broiler chickens

摘要

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 conventional cultivated foxtail millet in comparison with maize used in poultry diet. Chemical and TMEn analysis of foxtail millet cultivated conventionally and agro-ecologically indicated similar nutritional value. A total of 432 eight-day-old Ross broiler chicks, using a 2×3 factorial arrangement were randomly assigned to 4 replicates. Experimental diets were formulated by replacing maize with conventional or agro-ecologic millet at levels of 33, 66 and 100%. Body weight at 21 and 42 days of age was higher (P<0.05) at the 100% millet inclusion versus the lower inclusion levels. At 42 days of age, feed intake and feed conversion ratio were also improved (P<0.05) at the 100% millet inclusion. Similarly, the apparent ileal digestibility of crude protein and ether extract increased (P<0.05) for 100% millet inclusion. There were no differences in ileal protein and dry matter digestibility between the groups. Foxtail millet is a suitable replacement for corn as the principal energy source in broiler diets.m