Abstract
The aims of this experiment were to determine the energy value of raw grains [corn (CO), red sorghum (RS), white sorghum (WS)], in comparison to the energy values of the same grains post-extrusion. Cecectomized roosters were precision-fed up to 30g of either raw or extruded grains, then placed into individual cages with a collection tray underneath to catch excreta. After 48h, the excreta was collected and analyzed for N, gross energy, amino acids and dry matter. TMEn was highest (P < 0.05) for extruded WS (3.99 kcal/g) and lowest for raw WS (3.79 kcal/g), whereas extruded CO (3.89 kcal/g), and extruded RS (3.89 kcal/g) did not differ from raw RS (3.83 kcal/g) and raw CO (3.82 kcal/g). This indicates that there was greater utilization of the extruded grains compared to the raw, especially for WS. Amino acids were measured in the grains and the excreta to determine the digestibility. In addition to the rooster assay, a chick growth assay was conducted using Ross 308 male broiler chicks. The study lasted 14d, with average initial chick BW being 149.1g ± 0.048. The experimental diets consisted of inclusion of raw and extruded grains, respectively, added at direct substitution of corn. The results of the chick trial appear to be controversial to the rooster assay. The extruded CO and extruded WS diets were similar (P > 0.05) in weight gain compared to raw CO (660.84g, 665.70g, and 690.13g, respectively). Extruded WS had the greatest (P < 0.05) feed intake (973.3g), with raw RS having the lowest (847.44g). Raw CO had the greatest (P < 0.05) G:F, with extruded WS being lowest (P < 0.05); 754.63g and 683.75g, respectively. In conclusion, the chick growth assay showed superior weight gain in the extruded CO and WS diets, however, the extruded diets were least successful in G:F compared to the raw.