The effects of replacing corn with low-tannin sorghum in broiler’s diet on growth performance, nutrient digestibilities, lipid peroxidation and gene expressions related to growth and antioxidative properties

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of substituting yellow corn with low-tannin sorghum on growth performance, nutrient digestibilities, and some gene expressions. Chickens were divided into the four groups: 1) the basal diet containing 100% yellow corn, 2) 25% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum, 3) 50% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum, and 4) 100% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum. Body weight significantly improved (P < 0.05) by low-tannin sorghum substitutions, however, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved numerically (P = 0.672). Moreover, a significant decrease in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in muscle was found in all sorghum groups (P < 0.05). The mRNAs of genes related to growth and antioxidative properties insulin growth factor (IGF), β-Actin, fatty acids synthesis (FAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased due to low-tannin sorghum substitutions. Interestingly, feeding the 50% yellow corn + 50% low-tannin sorghum diet led to a significant increase in mRNA expressions of IGF, β-Actin, FAS, GPX and SOD in broilers. It could be concluded that substitution of 50% yellow corn with low-tannin sorghum might improve performance, modify plasma lipids and enhance the antioxidative status in broilers.