The metabolisable energy value of sorghum and barley for broiler and layers

A series of experiments was conducted to determine the apparent metabolisable energy (AME) values of 11 sorghum and 11 barley samples using broilers and layers. In addition the AME values of three selected samples were compared using laying hens and adult cockerels. The mean AME value (MJ/kg DM) of sorghum was 15.0 (range: 14.9-15.2) in broilers and 15.1 (range: 14.8-15.5) in layers, and the mean AME of barley was 12.5 (range: 11.6 to 13.8) in broilers and 13.0 (range: 12.5-13.5) in layers. Digesta viscosities (mPa.s) in birds fed sorghum diets averaged 2.7 and 2.6 in broilers and layers, respectively, with little variation between samples. Digesta viscosities in birds fed barley diets differed widely (P<0.01) between samples with the mean value in broilers being 25.5 (range: 8.4-70.7) and in layers 11.8 (range: 3.4-20.5) mPa.s. Dietary ME values obtained using broilers and layers were highly correlated (R²=0.947). In addition, in two of the three samples examined AME values determined with adult cockerels and hens were similar.