Stringhini et al., 2009. Rev. Bras. Zootec., 38 (12): 2435-2441

In this experiment, sorghum substitution with full-fat corn germ meal was evaluated in feed for broiler chickens. Two experiments were carried out in a randomized complete design with four levels of substitution of sorghum substitution with full-fat corn germ meal (0, 33.3, 66.7 and 100%) as energetic concentrate in diets produced exclusively with vegetable ingredients (experiment 1) or with ingredients of animal origin (experiment 2) with four replications each. Performance (weight gain, feed intake and feed conversion) were evaluated and the carcass and cuts yield, at absolute weight, expressed as percentage of live weight or eviscerated or plucked carcass. In experiment 1, a quadratic effect was observed for final weight and weight gain, that were best at the 21.03 and 21.8% levels of sorghum substitution with full-fat corn germ meal. In experiment 2, a quadratic effect was observed weight gain and feed conversion, that were best at the 35.02 and 15.75% levels of sorghum substitution with full-fat corn germ meal. Sorghum substitution with full-fat corn germ meal did not affect carcass yield or the yield for the cuts in experiment 1. In experiment 2, a quadratic effect was observed for carcass, breast and wing weight. Sorghum can be replaced by full-fat corn germ meal in feeds containing only plant ingredients from 21.03 to 21.68% and in feeds containing ingredients of animal origin from 15.75 to 35.02%.