Published online by Cambridge University Press: 02 September 2010
Six comparable groups, each of 4 castrate pigs, were used to compare the feed value of maize and sorghum as estimated by live-weight gain, food conversion efficiency, slaughter quality and ham composition.
The maize ration contained 40% yellow maize and the sorghum ration 40% Sorghum vulgare subglabrescens, all other ingredients being the same for both diets.
No statistically significant differences were found between the maize and sorghum pigs with regard to the criteria mentioned.
It is concluded that no difference exists between the feed value of the maize and the sorghum used. This result is in better agreement with the net energy values of maize and sorghum as calculated by the formula of Hoff-mann and digestion coefficients for pigs, than with “classical” starch equivalents.