Philippine Journal of Science 135 (1): 49-58, June 2006 ISSN 0031 - 7683

Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers
Carmencita D. Mateo and Nelia F. Carandang Aninal and Dairy Sciences Cluster, College of Agriculture University of the Philippines Los Baos College, Laguna, Philippines 4031 To evaluate the feeding and economic values of different grain sources, namely, local yellow corn, US soft red winter wheat and low tannin US sorghum, a total of 770 Arbor Acre day-old male broiler chicks were fed one of 7 isocaloric/isonitrogenous broiler mash diets for 42 days. Grain sources for the basal diets were as follows: Diet 1 100% yellow corn, Diet 2 100% US soft red winter wheat; Diet 3 100% low tannin US sorghum, Diet 4 50% corn and 50% sorghum (equal weight basis); Diet 5 50% wheat and 50% sorghum (equal weight basis); Diet 6 Diet 2 and a pigment source added in the grower/finisher period; and Diet 7 Diet 3 and a pigment source added in the grower/finisher period. The feeding value of low tannin sorghum and wheat grains relative to corn were 98% and 96%, respectively. The combinations of sorghum with either corn or wheat on an equal basis had a feeding value of 100% relative to corn. Feed conversion was in favor of the corn and corn-sorghum diets, which was significantly high compared to the wheat, sorghum, and wheat-sorghum diets. The feed cost per kg gain was significantly low in corn-sorghum and sorghum based diets, 4.22% and 3.78% relative to corn based-diet. The use of low tannin US sorghum has an advantage over wheat as cheap alternative to corn in broiler diets. Key Words: sorghum, corn, wheat, feeding value, economics

INTRODUCTION
Cereal grains account for about 50-60% of a typical broiler diet where this feed serve as principal carbohydrate energy source for poultry. In the Philippines, yellow corn is the most popular cereal grain used for non-ruminant diets. However, the use of this grain becomes a problem in feed formulations when it is unavailable, expensive, or of poor quality thereby making it uneconomical to use. Some of the common alternatives to corn are imported wheat and sorghum from the United States. There are advantages and limitations in the use of these grains. The use of high levels of wheat (without feed enzymes) in monogastric diets could cause intestinal viscosity, while the use of high
*Corresponding author: cdm@laguna.net nfc@laguna.net

tannin sorghum could cause poor production performance. Sorghum and wheat also lack the xanthophylls of corn, and pigment supplementation is often made whenever these grains are used in broiler and layer diets. However, several studies have shown that sorghum maybe used to replace some or all corn or wheat in poultry and swine feed formulations (Gualtieri and Rapaccina 1990; Lin et al. 1987; Louse et al. 1991, Luis et al. 1982 and Douglas et al. 1990). If appropriate adjustments are made for the relative nutrient values of sorghum and corn or wheat, the same growth performance will be achieved. The price of sorghum is typically 10-15% cheaper than corn which makes it an attractive alternative grain source. The price of wheat is close to that of corn, typically 6-7% cheaper. 49

Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers Table 1. continues . . . GRAINS Nutrients (%) Cystine Valine Methionine Isoleucine Leucine Tyrosine Phenylalanine Histidine Lysine Arginine Tryptophan Proline Total ME, kcal/kg Crude fat Crude fiber Ash Calcium Phosphorus, Total Xanthophyll (ppm) Tannic acid Local Yellow US Soft Red US Sorghum Corn Winter Wheat Low Tannin 0.265 0.328 0.159 0.228 1.304 0.359 0.395 0.421 0.238 0.406 0.066 0.806 8.847 3400 4.130 1.900 1.220 0.002 0.326 22.900 0.272 0.340 0.126 0.239 0.612 0.262 0.385 0.347 0.271 0.411 0.122 0.813 8.85 3150 2.010 2.160 1.400 0.024 0.254 0.590 0.207 0.332 0.132 0.253 1.002 0.336 0.372 0.362 0.193 0.288 0.092 0.658 8.154 3300 2.540 1.770 1.410 0.015 0.267 1.150 0.090

The objective of this study was to evaluate the comparative performance and economics of broilers in yellow corn, US soft wheat and low tannin US sorghumbased diets. This study also aimed to evaluate the costbenefit effects of pigment supplementation in 100% wheat or 100% sorghum-based broiler diets.

MatErials and MEthods

Experimental Design. Seven hundred seventy (770) day-old male Arbor Acre broiler chicks were purchased from a commercial hatchery. The birds were placed in battery brooder grower/finisher cages with slatted bamboo floors as the commercial practice in the Philippines. The birds received standard poultry management, including all vaccination and medication programs recommended for broilers (PCARRD 1996). They were assigned to 7 dietary treatments using a randomized complete block design, the blocking factor being the position of bird pens inside the poultry house. The dietary treatments consisted of different cereal-based diets; namely, Diet 1 - 100% yellow corn; Diet 2 - 100% US soft red winter wheat; Diet 3 - 100% low tannin US sorghum; Diet 4 - 50% corn and 50% wheat (equal weight basis); Diet 5 - 50% wheat and 50% sorghum (equal weight basis); Diet 6 - Diet 2 and a pigment source added during the grower/finisher period; and Diet 7 - Diet 3 and a pigment source added in the grower/finisher period. Each treatment was replicated 11 times with 10 birds per replicate pen. Grain sources The nutrients of grains used in the study are shown in Table 1. The grain sources were local yellow corn, imported US soft red winter wheat, and low tannin US sorghum that
Table 1. Nutrient composition of cereal grains (as fed basis)* GRAINS Nutrients (%) Moisture Crude protein Total Amino Acid Aspartic acid Threonine Serine Glutamic acid Glycine Alanine 0.612 0.291 0.461 1.776 0.333 0.669 0.527 0.257 0.438 2.692 0.377 0.359 0.584 0.248 0.383 1.756 0.266 0.690 Local Yellow US Soft Red US Sorghum Corn Winter Wheat Low Tannin 11.500 8.910 12.200 9.400 13.160 8.220

*Analyzed at the Feed Laboratory, Singapore

is popularly known as US sorghum #2. Representative samples of the 3 grains were submitted to a feed laboratory in Singapore for complete proximate, mineral, and amino acid analyses. All grains were ground and purchased from a commercial feedmill. Experimental Diets The composition and calculated nutrient analysis of the starter and grower/finisher diets are shown in Tables 2 & 3. Diets 1 to 3 have corn, wheat, and sorghum as the primary sources of cereal grain in the diet. In diets 4 and 5, half of the grains in the diet was sorghum or wheat. These grains replaced corn on equal weight basis. Diets 6 and 7 are diets of 100% wheat or 100% sorghum plus a pigment source provided only in these diets during the grower/finisher period (22-42 days). Carophyll yellow and carophyll red, registered trademarks of Roche, Inc. were the synthetic pigments used in this study. As per recommendation of the manufacturer, carophyll yellow was added at the rate of 200 g per ton of feed for skin pigmentation and carophyll red at 20 g per ton of feed for shank pigmentation.

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Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006 Table 2. Composition and calculated analyses of starter diets (as fed basis) INGREDIENTS

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

STARTER DIETS I 56.316 32.378 3.000 3.000 2.727 1.110 0.972 0.300 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.025 0.013 0.009 100.000 II & VI 55.839 31.267 3.000 3.000 4.284 1.166 0.855 0.300 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.025 0.013 0.001 0.100 100.000 III & VII As Percent of Diet 55.056 32.000 3.000 3.000 4.289 1.187 0.955 0.300 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.025 0.013 0.025 100.000 IV 27.830 27.849 32.187 3.000 3.000 3.517 1.149 0.963 0.300 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.025 0.013 0.017 100.000 V 27.640 27.754 31.637 3.000 3.000 4.287 1.176 0.905 0.300 0.050 0.050 0.050 0.025 0.013 0.013 0.100 100.000

Yellow corn US soft red winter wheat US sorghum, low tannin US soybean meal (47) Peruvian fish meal Copra meal Crude coco oil Limestone Monodicalcium phosphate Salt Mineral premix Choline chloride Coccidiostat Vitamin premix Antioxidant DL-methionine Enzyme TOTAL Calculated Analysis Crude protein, % ME, kcal/kg Calcium, % Total phophorus, % Avail. phosphorus, % Lysine, % Methionine, % Methionine + cystine, % Crude fiber, % Crude fat, %

22.50 3000.00 0.85 0.67 0.42 1.27 0.40 0.78 2.91 5.79

22.50 3000.00 0.85 0.65 0.42 1.40 0.40 0.82 2.21 5.95

22.50 3000.00 0.85 0.66 0.42 1.22 0.40 0.77 1.93 6.90

22.50 3000.00 0.85 0.66 0.42 1.24 0.40 0.77 2.41 6.35

22.50 3000.00 0.85 0.66 0.42 1.31 0.40 0.80 2.07 6.43

Table 3. Composition and calculated analyses of grower/finisher diets (as fed basis) Ingredients GROWER/FINISHER DIETS I 63.197 25.775 3 3 2.369 II & VI 62.673 24.528 3 3 4.117 III & VII As Percent of Diet Yellow corn US soft red winter wheat US sorghum, low tannin US soybean meal (47) Peruvian fish meal Copra meal Crude coco oil 61.784 25.34 3 3 4.125 31.22 31.261 25.561 3 3 3.256 31.13 31.044 24.943 3 3 4.12 IV V

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Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006 Table 3. continues . . . Ingredients Limestone Monodicalcium phosphate Salt Mineral premix Choline chloride Coccidiostat DL-methionine Vitamin premix Antioxidant Enzyme Lysine HCL TOTAL Calculated Analysis ME, kcal/kg Crude protein, % Calcium, % Total phophorus, % Avail. phosphorus, % Lysine, % Methionine, % Methionine + cystine, % Crude fiber, % Crude fat, % Pigmenters: Carophyll yellow Carophyll red 3050 20 0.85 0.64 0.4 1.09 0.4 0.74 3.07 5.56 Diet VI 200 g/ton of feed 20 g/ton of feed 3050 20 0.85 0.62 0.4 1.23 0.4 0.8 2.28 5.75

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

GROWER/FINISHER DIETS I 1.182 0.948 0.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.041 0.025 0.013 100 II & VI 1.245 0.817 0.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.032 0.025 0.013 0.1 100 III & VII 1.268 0.929 0.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.06 0.025 0.013 0.006 100 IV 1.225 0.938 0.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.051 0.025 0.013 100 V 1.256 0.873 0.3 0.05 0.05 0.05 0.046 0.025 0.013 0.1 100

3050 20 0.85 0.63 0.4 1.04 0.4 0.73 1.96 6.81 Diet VII

3050 20 0.85 0.63 0.4 1.06 0.4 0.74 2.51 6.19

3050 20 0.85 0.62 0.4 1.13 0.4 0.76 2.12 6.28

200 g/ton of feed 20 g/ton of feed

All diets were formulated to be iso-caloric and isonitrogenous and followed the nutrient specifications recommended for broilers (PHILSAN 1996). A representative sample of all feeds was chemically analyzed following the procedure described by the Association of Official Analytical Chemists (AOAC 1984). The analyzed nutrient specifications of the starter and grower/finisher diets are shown in Tables 4 & 5. The starter diet was fed from 1 to 21 d and the grower/finisher from 22 to 42 d. Both diets were fed in mash form and given ad libitum to the birds during the 42-d feeding trial. Likewise, drinking water was made available to the birds at all times. Production Parameters Live body weights, feed intake, body weight gain, feed efficiency, mortality, and survival rates were measured in the two growth periods (starter 1-21 d and grower/ 52

finisher, 22-42 d) and entire duration of the experiment (1-42 d). At the end of the feeding trial, 11 birds from each treatment or 1 bird randomly taken from each replicate pen were used to evaluate the carcass yield, carcass weight, skin, and shank pigment scores of birds fed with different grain sources. Skin pigmentation of the left breast and shank pigment scores were determined using the Roche color fan. Economic Analysis The feed cost per kilogram gain and the income over feed and chick costs were computed on per diet basis, taking into consideration the cost of major feed ingredients and feed additives used at the time of study.

Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006 Table 4. Nutrient analysis of starter diets (as fed basis) Starter Diets Grain Nutrients, % Moisture Crude protein Crude fiber Crude fat Ash Nitrogen free extract 8.76 22.26 5.22 4.84 5.54 53.38 8.68 22.86 4.55 5.27 5.31 53.33 9.40 23.59 5.14 5.14 5.27 51.46 I Corn II & VI Wheat III & VII Sorghum, Low tannin

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

IV Corn + Sorghum, Low tannin 9.14 22.57 4.66 5.03 4.80 53.80

V Wheat + Sorghum, Low tannin 8.92 21.92 4.88 5.30 4.78 54.20

Table 5. Nutrient analysis of grower/finisher diets (as fed basis) Starter Diets Grain Nutrients, % Moisture Crude protein Crude fat Ash Nitrogen free extract 9.97 18.43 4.41 4.35 53.38 9.53 19.10 4.79 4.51 53.33 10.09 19.64 4.75 4.52 51.46 10.31 19.30 4.60 4.82 53.80 10.08 19.48 5.43 4.45 54.20 I Corn II & VI Wheat III & VII Sorghum, Low tannin IV Corn + Sorghum, Low tannin V Wheat + Sorghum, Low tannin

Statistical Analysis Data were analyzed using the analysis of variance of the General Linear Model Procedures of SAS Software (SAS Institute 1989). Differences among treatment means were checked for significance by Duncans test and identified as different superscripts in the result tables.

The US sorghum used in this study was a low tannin variety with a low tannic acid content of 0.09%. Live Body Weight The mean live body weight of broilers in the initial period and at the end of the two growth periods are shown in Table 6.
Table 6. Initial and mean cumulative liveweights of broilers fed different cereal-based diets (g/bird)* GRAIN PERIOD Corn 51.50 658.10 Wheat 52.10 698.60 Corn + Sorghum, Sorghum, Low tannin Low tannin 51.30 662.10 1933.50 51.74 671.00 1961.10 Wheat + Sorghum, Low tannin 51.70 670.70 1978.45

REsults and Discussion

Grain Nutrient Analysis Results of the analyzed nutrient analysis of the different grains used in the study (Table 1) do not differ much to the reference values as published by PHILSAN (1996). The US soft red winter wheat contains more crude protein relative to corn at, 105.61% and sorghum at 114.35%. Relative to corn, crude fat content is far lower in wheat at 48.66% and sorghum grains at 61.50%. This partly explains the higher metabolizable energy value of corn compared to wheat or sorghum. Among the three grains, yellow corn has the highest xanthophyll content or about 21-22 mg higher than sorghum or wheat. This explains the need for pigment supplementation on diets based on sorghum or wheat.

Initial Starter Grower/ Finisher

1970.00 1898.00

*No significant differences among all means (P>0.05).

No significant differences were noted in the initial body weights of all experimental birds. Although not significantly different, body weights of birds fed with wheat and sorghum based diets tended to be higher than 53

Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

the body weights of birds fed with corn-soy diet. In the final period or at the end of the feeding trial, no significant differences were noted among all treatments. However, those fed the diet of wheat plus sorghum combination tended to be heavier than those birds fed the other grains. Relative to corn, body weights of the birds fed with sorghum or wheat were 98% and 96%, respectively. The combination of corn or wheat with sorghum was 99.5% and 100.4%. Body Weight Gain The mean body weight gain of broilers in the two growth periods and entire duration of the experiment are shown in Table 7.
Table 7. Mean cumulative bodyweight gain of broilers fed different cereal-based diets (g/bird) GRAIN PERIOD Corn 606.64 Wheat 646.14 Corn + Wheat + Sorghum, Sorghum, Sorghum, Low Low Low tannin tannin tannin 610.77 619.27 1290.09a 1909.36 619.00 1307.82a 1926.82

sorghum based diets. In this study, the feeding value of the 100% sorghum diet and 100% wheat diet relative to corn was 98% and 96%, respectively. A 50% replacement of sorghum with corn or wheat yielded a feeding value of 99% and 100%, respectively. Feed Consumption The mean feed consumption of broilers in the two growth periods and entire duration of the experiment is shown in Table 8.
Table 8. Mean cumulative feed consumption of broilers fed different cereal-based diets (g/bird) GRAIN PERIOD Corn 1025.60 Wheat 1043.00 Corn + Sorghum, Sorghum, Low Low tannin tannin 1034.50 1032.90 Wheat + orghum, Low tannin 1041.10 3034.00a 4075.10a

Starter Grower/ Finisher Overall

a,b

2882.70b 2927.90b 2956.20ab 2857.90b 3908.30b 3970.90ab 3990.60ab 3890.50b

Starter Grower/ Finisher Overall

a,b

Means with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).

1312.27a 1198.59b 1270.86ab 1918.91 1844.73 1881.63

Means with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05)

No significant differences were noted in the body weight gain of broilers fed with different grains during the starter period. However, it can be noted that weight gains tended to be slightly higher in birds fed with wheat, and the corn or wheat in combination with sorghum-based diets than those fed with corn-based. In the grower/finisher period, it can be noted that except for the wheat diet, the birds fed with other grains like sorghum or a combination of corn and wheat with sorghum, weight gains were not significantly different. In the grower/finisher period, no significant differences were noted in body weight gain of broilers fed with corn, sorghum and corn-sorghum and wheatsorghum combination diets. But the birds fed with wheat diet resulted to significantly lower body weight gain of about 113.68 g (8.66%) lower compared to broilers fed with corn. At this period, the weight gain of birds fed with wheat-sorghum based diet is 99.66% relative to those in the control diet. In the total experiment, no significant differences were noted in the body weight gain of broilers in all cereal grains. However, weight gain tended to be higher in broilers fed with wheat-sorghum, corn, and corn54

No significant differences were noted in the feed consumption of birds during the starter period. The birds fed with wheat diets tended to consume more feed compared to birds fed with other grains. The birds fed with wheat-sorghum based diet yielded a significantly higher feed consumption compared to birds fed with corn, wheat, and corn -sorghum based diets during the grower period. In the total experiment, the same group of birds fed with wheat in combination with sorghum gave a significantly higher feed consumption compared to those fed with corn or corn-sorghum based diets. Relative to those fed with control, the feed consumption of birds fed with wheat diet is 102% and those fed with combination of wheat and sorghum, 104%. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) The mean feed conversion ratio of broilers fed with different cereal-based diets are shown in Table 9. No significant differences in feed conversion was noted in the starter period. In the grower/finisher period, the birds fed with control yielded a significantly high feed conversion but not statistically different with those fed with sorghum, corn-sorghum and wheat-sorghum diets, respectively. In the same manner, the broilers fed with 100% wheat diet had an FCR not significantly different with those fed sorghum, corn-sorghum, and wheat-

Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006 Table 9. Mean feed conversion of broilers fed with different cerealbased diets (kg feed/kg gain) GRAIN PERIOD Corn 1.69 2.13
b

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers Table 10. Average mortality and survival rates of broilers fed with different cereal-based diets (in %)* GRAIN Corn + Sorghum, Low tannin 1.66 2.23
ab

Wheat 1.61 2.34

a

Sorghum, Low tannin 1.69 2.31

ab

Wheat + Sorghum, Low tannin 1.68 2.19

ab

PERIOD

Corn

Wheat

Sorghum, Low tannin

Corn + Sorghum, Low tannin 2.73 0.00 2.73 97.27

Wheat + Sorghum, Low tannin 2.73 1.82 4.54 95.46

Starter Grower/ Finisher Overall

a,b

Mortality Rate Starter Grower/ Finisher Overall Survival Rate

*

1.82 0.91 2.73 97.27

3.18 1.37 4.55 95.46

2.27 0.46 2.73 97.27

2.04b

2.15a

2.12a

2.04b

2.12a

Means with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05).

sorghum diets. The birds fed with 100% wheat diet had a 0.210 FCR points lower relative to the corn-fed birds. In the total experiment, the FCRs of birds fed with corn and corn-sorghum based diets were significantly higher than those fed with wheat, sorghum, and wheat-sorghum based diets, respectively. No significant differences were noted in the FCRs of birds fed with wheat, sorghum, and wheat-sorghum based diets. Compared to the control, feed efficiencies of sorghum and wheat-sorghum fed birds were lower by 0.084 and 0.078 FCR points, respectively. Apparently, FCR was better in birds fed with combination of corn plus sorghum, and wheat plus sorghum rather than those fed with control diet, a 100% sorghum or 100% wheat based diets. Apparently, the high feed consumption observed in birds fed with wheat or sorghum-based diets affected the feed efficiencies of the birds. Mortality and Survival Rates Table 10 presents the average mortality and survival rates of broilers in the 2 growth periods and total experiment. No significant differences were noted in the percent mortality rates among treatment groups in all periods. The slightly high mortality rates noted in the wheat based diets during the starter period could be related to the intestinal viscosity causing diarrhea related to the use of high wheat grain in broiler diets.

No significant differences among all means (P>0.05)

Likewise, no significant differences were noted in the survival rates of birds among all treatments. The birds fed with control, sorghum, and corn-sorghum based diets showed the same survival rates. The wheatbased diets on the other hand, showed a reduction in the survival rates due to the mortality incidence during the growing period. Carcass Evaluation The mean carcass yield, carcass weight, skin, and shank pigment scores of broilers in the different grain sources are shown in Table 11. No significant differences were noted in the carcass weight and carcass yield in birds fed with different grains. However, birds fed with wheat-sorghum based diets showed 1.44% and 2.30% lower carcass weight and yield compared to the control. The loss of yellow pigmentation in the skin that arises when sorghum or wheat is substituted for yellow corn is by no means always a disadvantage specially for consumers that relate the health of chickens with the degree of yellow skin pigment.

Table 11. Mean carcass yield, carcass weight, skin and shank pigment scores of broilers fed different cereal-based diets Parameters Carcass yield, % Carcass weight, kg Skin pigment score* Shank pigment score*
* a-d

Grain Corn 73.184 1.524 0.545b 0.909b Wheat 73.260 1.558 0.000c 0.000d +Pigment 1.454a 4.091a Sorghum 73.106 1.542 0.000c 0.000d +Pigment 1.409a 3.545a Corn + Sorghum 73.138 1.568 0.136c 1.045c Wheat + Sorghum 71.500 1.502 0.000c 0.000d

Based on Roche Color Fan Score Means with different superscripts are significantly different (P<0.05)

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Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

Pigment supplementation significantly increased both the skin and shank pigment scores of birds fed with 100% wheat or 100% sorghum based diets. The skin and shank pigment scores of birds fed with corn+sorghum based diets were significantly lower than the pigment scores of birds fed with 100% yellow corn diet. The birds fed with corn-sorghum diet was 75.05% and 45.26% lower in skin and shank pigment scores compared to birds fed with control diet. This finding indicates that pigment supplementation may still be needed if this type of diet is used in broilers whenever yellow pigmentation of skin or shank is desired. Relative to the control, a 267% and 259% improvement in skin and shank pigmentation scores were observed in the wheat diet supplemented with pigment. On the other hand, the birds fed with pigment supplemented sorghum diet had a skin and shank pigment scores of 259% and 186% higher compared to the control. A lower inclusion rate of the pigments may be recommended in the future to reduce the degree of pigmentation just equal to that of yellow corn, thereby reducing the cost of supplement in the diets. Economic Evaluation Table 12 presents the economic evaluation of the different diets used in the study. At the time of the study, the
Table 12. Economic evaluation of different diets

sorghum grain had the lowest cost per kilo among the 3 grain sources. Sorghum cost Php 1.80 (21.69%), and Php 1.25 (15.06%) per kilo less than the cost of corn and wheat grains, respectively. The margin of difference between wheat and corn is slight at only Php 0.85 kilo difference or 6.63% less than the price of corn. Feed cost was highest in pigment supplemented wheat diet (Diet 6) which was 6.35% higher relative to the cost of corn based diet. Cost of the feed enzyme and pigment jacked up the high cost of this diet. The diet with the lowest cost per kilo was sorghum based (Diet 3), followed by corn-sorghum diet (Diet 4), which were 8.54% and 4.32% lower relative to cost of the control diet. The cost of the sorghum diet with pigment is still 1.78% lower compared to the cost of corn-soy diet. In terms of feed cost per kilo gain, the corn-sorghum based diet was significantly lower compared to the feed cost of corn, wheat, (with and without pigment), sorghum with pigment, and wheat-sorghum diets. This diet cost was 4.28% lower compared to the control diet. The sorghum and corn-sorghum diets were not significantly different. Wheat based diets with and without pigment were higher in feed cost per kilo gain at 5.06% and 12.67% relative to the control diet. The use of feed enzyme plus pigment added to the high cost of these diets. Pigment
Diets

I Parameters Corn Feed costa (Php/kg) Starter mash Grower mash Weighted totalb (Php) Feed conversion (kg feed/kg gain) Feed cost/kg gain (Php) Avg. live body weight (kg/bird) Avg. feed consumption (kg/bird) Starter mash Grower mash Total feed consumed (kg/bird) Cost of feed consumed (Php) Cost of day old chicks (Php) Cost of day old chicks and feeds (Php) Price of total liveweight (Php)c Income over feed and chick costs (Php)
a

II

III

IV Grain Source Corn + Sorghum 10.300 9.944 10.039 2.038 20.459 1.961 1.032 2.858 3.890 39.050 14.000 53.050 88.245 35.195

V Wheat + Sorghum 10.400 10.030 10.123 2.115 21.410 1.978 1.041 3.034 4.075 41.257 14.000 55.257 89.010 33.753

VI Wheat + Pigment 10.710 11.320 11.159 2.158 24.081 1.898 1.045 2.939 3.984 44.461 14.000 58.461 85.410 26.949

VII Sorghum + Pigment 9.892 10.450 10.306 2.099 21.633 1.972 1.041 2.990 4.031 41.544 14.000 55.544 88.740 33.197

Wheat

Sorghum

10.718 10.412 10.492 2.037 21.372 1.970 1.026 2.883 3.909 41.015 14.000 55.015 88.650 33.635

10.710 10.370 10.459 2.147 22.455 1.897 1.041 2.917 3.958 41.398 14.000 55.398 85.365 29.967

9.892 9.491 9.596 2.143 20.564 1.894 1.028 2.923 3.951 37.911 14.000 51.911 85.230 33.319

Cost of major feeds at time of study: (Php/kg): Yellow corn8.30; US soft wheat7.75; US Sorghum6.50; Peruvian fish meal21.00; US soybean meal 12.90; Copra meal4.10; Coco oil19.00; Pigment source: Carophyll yellow4,000.00; Carophyll red8,000.00; Wheat enzyme210.00 b Weighted according to the percentage of total feed consumed as starter or grower mash c Price per kilo liveweight (PhpPhilippine peso) 45.00

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Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

supplementation of the sorghum diet increased the cost by Php 0.26 or 1.22%, which was not significantly different from the cost of corn based diet. In terms of income over feed and chick costs, the highest income derived was on the corn-sorghum diet at 4.63% higher relative to the control diet. Income using the wheat-sorghum diet is slightly higher (0.35%) relative to the income generated with the use of the control diet. The lowest income was in wheat based diet, with or without pigment supplementation at Php 3.67 or 10.50% and Php 6.69 or 19.87% lower relative to the corn based diet, respectively. That the sorghum grain yielded an 18.42% price difference relative to corn is indeed an advantage favoring the use sorghum in broiler diets. Even with pigment supplementation, sorghum had an 11.36% advantage over corn.

96%, respectively. A 50% replacement of these grains on equal weight basis with sorghum, achieved 99% and 100% feeding values. The economic analysis indicate that sorghum, with 18.42% price difference compared to corn, is an advantage in feed formulation. Even with pigment supplementation of sorghum, an 11.36% advantage over corn was attained. The use of wheat as an alternative to corn in this study may not be cost effective at this time when the price difference of wheat and corn is just minimal, and addition of feed enzyme and pigment adds up to the cost of the grain. In general, the slight difference in production performance shown by birds fed with sorghum based diet relative to corn fed birds was compensated by the low cost of sorghum. Given this price advantage of sorghum, it is concluded that sorghum is a better economical alternative to corn or wheat in broiler diets.

CONCLUSION
Table 13 presents a summary of the comparative performance of broilers in corn, wheat, and sorghumbased diets during the whole experimental period (1-42 d). This study demonstrated that sorghum and wheat can replace part or even all of the corn in broiler feed and still support the same level of performance as achieved in corn-based diet. In terms of body weight gain, the feeding values of sorghum and wheat grains relative to corn were 98% and

AcKnowlEdgmEnt
The authors would like to thank the U.S. Grains Council, Southeast Asia for financing the study.

REfErEncEs
[AOAC] Association of Official Analytical ChEmists. 1984. Official Methods of Analysis. 13th ed. Washington, DC: Association of Official Analytical Chemists, Inc. 1050 pp.

Table 13. Summary of the comparative performance of broilers in corn, wheat, and sorghum-based dets (1-42 days) Grain Source Parameters Avg. live body weight (kg/bird) Avg. weight gain (kg/bird) Avg. feed consumption (kg) Feed converstion ratio (kg/feed/kg/gain) Feed cost per kilo gain (Php) Mortality rate (%) Survival rate (%) Carcass yield (%) Carcass weight (kg) Skin pigment score* Shank pigment score*
*

Corn 1.970 1.918 3.908b 2.037b 21.370

cd

Wheat 1.898 1.844 3.971ab 2.153a 22.455

b

+Pigment 24.081 1.455a 4.091a

a

Sorghum 1.933 1.881 3.991ab 2.121a 20.564

de

+Pigment 21.633 1.409a 3.545a

c

Corn + Sorghum 1.961 1.909 3.890b 2.039b 20.470

e

Wheat + Sorghum 1.978 1.127 4.075a 2.115a 21.410c 4.545 95.455 71.500 1.502 0.000c 0.000d

2.727 97.273 73.184 1.524 0.545b 1.909d

4.545 95.455 73.260 1.558 0.000c 0.000d

2.727 97.273 73.106 1.542 0.000c 0.000d

2.727 97.273 73.138 1.568 0.136c 1.045e

Roche color fan score Means in a row with different supercripts are statistically significant (P<0.05) PhpPhilippine peso

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Philippine Journal of Science Vol. 135 No. 1, June 2006

Mateo & Carandang: Feeding and Economic Evaluation of Corn, Wheat, and Sorghum Based-Diets in Broilers

Douglas JH, Sullivan TW, Bond PL, StruwE FJ, BaiEr JG and RabEson LG. 1990. Influence of grinding, rolling, and pelleting on the nutritional value of grain sorghums and yellow corn for broilers. Poult Sci 69:2150-2156. GualtiEri M and Rapaccini S. 1990. Sorghum grain in poultry feeding. Worlds Poult Sci J 46:246-254. Lin FD, KnabE DA and TanKslEy TD. 1987. Apparent digestibility of amino acids, gross energy and starch in corn, wheat, barley, oat groats and wheat middlings for growing pigs. J Animal Sci 66:16551663. Louis GF, LEwis AJ and PEo ER. 1991. Feeding value of grain sorghum for the lactating sow. J Animal Sci 69:223-229. Luis ES, Sullivan TW and Welson LA. 1982. Nutrient composition and feeding value of proco millets, sorghum grains and corn in broiler diets. Poult Sci 61:311-320. [PCARRD] Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. 1996. Philippine recommends for broiler production. Los Baos, Laguna: Philippine Council for Agriculture, Forestry and Natural Resources Research and Development. 91 p. [PHILSAN] Philippine Society of Animal Nutritionists. 1996. Feed Reference Standards. 2nd ed. 351 p. [SAS] Statistical Analysis SystEm. 1989. SAS language and procedures: Introduction, Version 6, 1st ed. Cary, N.C.: SAS Institute Inc., 124 p.

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