Abstract

Sorghum grain (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench) is gaining importance amongst livestock producers and animal nutritionists. Newly developed sorghum varieties should be evaluated for their suitability in small ruminant ration. The aim of this research was to determine the physico-chemical characteristics of ten sorghum varieties as potential feed for small ruminants. There were no significant differences (P > 0.05) in DM, CP and CF contents of the ten sorghum varieties. The sorghum black had higher GE, NDF and ADF contents and ATxArg had higher oil and mineral contents. Similarly, sorghum varieties labelled black, red, R17049 and FZ2CND were characterized by high tannins, phenolic and redness contents. Marcia, R17231, RTx436 contained high levels of yellowness and lightness. Fatty acid profile also varies amongst the ten varieties. The results of this study demonstrated that physiochemical and nutritional properties of sorghum varied by varieties.

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