Pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum), grain

Broilers

Pearl millet is a good alternative source of energy in broilers up to 7 weeks old. Broilers can be fed pearl millet/soybean-based diets and it can replace maize in a maize/soybean-based diet. The proposed replacement rates range from 10% to 100%, with most sources suggesting replacing more than 50% of the maize (Udeybir et al., 2009; Udeybir et al., 2007; Choudhary et al., 2005; Davis et al., 2003; Raju et al., 2003). When compared to maize or sorghum, pearl millet was found to have equal or higher nutritive value (Vasan et al., 2008; Evans et al., 2005; Healy et al., 1991), which is confirmed by a meta-analysis of literature data (Batonon et al., 2015). Reconstitution with or without enzymes is interesting as it enhances metabolizable energy and N retention (Manwar et al., 2009; Manwar et al., 2008). Grinding pearl millet has resulted in inconclusive and contradictory results (Vasan et al., 2008; Vasan et al., 2009).

Laying hens

Laying hens can be fed on pearl millet as a maize replacer in soybean/maize-based diets up to 15% of the diet for unground pearl millet (Garcia et al., 2006). In order to guarantee egg production, yolk colour and poly-unsaturated fatty-acids, pearl millet-based rations can be fed to laying hens with flaxseed (6% of the diet) (Amini et al., 2008) or soybean oil supplementation (Muramatsu et al., 2005).

Quails

Laying Japanese quails can be fed pearl millet as a 75% replacer of maize (Seema Agarwal et al., 2006), but pigment supplementation is needed (Leandro et al., 1999).

Ducks

In Pekin ducks, pearl millet can fully replace maize and preserve animal performances (Adeola et al., 1996; Adeola et al., 1994).