ABSTRACT:
This study evaluated the effects of millet and corn oil additions to sorghum-based diets on the performance, carcass yields and prime cuts (i.e., wings, breasts, thighs and drumsticks) and the relative weights of edible offal (i.e., gizzard, heart, and liver) of broiler chickens. A total of 684 Hubbard Flex chickens, including 342 broilers of each sex, were housed. The design was completely randomized, and the following diets were supplied: A) sorghum and soybean meal + soybean oil (control); B) sorghum and soybean meal + corn oil; and C) sorghum and soybean meal + millet and soybean oil. Six replicates with 38 birds each (19 males and 19 females) were evaluated regarding each experimental diet. At 14, 21, 35 and 42 days of age, the feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion and viability of the chickens were evaluated. At 42 days, the live weight, carcass yield, prime cuts and relative weight of the edible offal were measured. The dietary inclusion of either millet or corn oil did not affect any of the parameters. In conclusion, additions of millet and corn oil to sorghum-based diets of broilers do not compromise poultry performance.
Key words:
animal nutrition; carcass yield; Pennisetum glaucum; performance; poultry
