Effects of corn replacement by sorghum in broiler diets on performance and intestinal mucosa integrity

The effect of replacing corn with low-tannin sorghum on broiler performance, carcass yield, integrity of mucosa of small intestine segments, and activity of membrane enzymes of the jejunum is investigated. A total of 594 male Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments: 10...

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Published in:Poultry science 2013-06, Vol.92 (6), p.1564-1571
Main Authors: Torres, K A A, Pizauro, Jr, J M, Soares, C P, Silva, T G A, Nogueira, W C L, Campos, D M B, Furlan, R L, Macari, M
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Alkaline Phosphatase - genetics
Alkaline Phosphatase - metabolism
Aminopeptidases - genetics
Aminopeptidases - metabolism
Animal Feed - analysis
Animal Nutritional Physiological Phenomena
Animals
Cell Proliferation
Chickens - growth & development
Diet - veterinary
Intestinal Mucosa - cytology
Intestinal Mucosa - physiology
Male
Sorghum
Weight Gain
Zea mays
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Summary:The effect of replacing corn with low-tannin sorghum on broiler performance, carcass yield, integrity of mucosa of small intestine segments, and activity of membrane enzymes of the jejunum is investigated. A total of 594 male Cobb-500 broiler chicks were randomly assigned to 3 dietary treatments: 100% corn (control), 50% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum (low sorghum), and 100% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum (high sorghum). Body weight gain, feed consumption, feed conversion, and carcass yield were determined at 7, 21, and 42 d, and segments of the small intestine were collected. Feed conversion and weight gain were impaired at d 42 in broilers fed the high-sorghum diet, but no differences were observed for carcass yield among the treatments (P > 0.05). Crypt cell mitotic index of the jejunum and ileum at d 21 and 42 was lower in broilers fed the control diet than in those fed low- and high-sorghum diets (P < 0.05). Aminopeptidase activity was higher in broilers fed the control diet than in those fed low- and high-sorghum diets irrespective of age (P < 0.05). Conversely, intestinal alkaline phosphatase activity in the small intestine did not differ among the dietary treatments (P > 0.05). Our results indicate that 50% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum is suitable for broiler diets, whereas 100% corn replacement with low-tannin sorghum had negative effects on the intestinal mucosa and performance of broilers at 42 d.
ISSN:0032-5791
1525-3171
DOI:10.3382/ps.2012-02422