Abstract

MONTIEL, M.D.; ELIZALDE, J.C.; SANTINI, F.  and  GIORDA, L.. Physical and chemical characteristics of sorghum grain: Relationship with ruminal degradation in cattle. Arch. zootec. [online]. 2011, vol.60, n.231, pp.533-541. ISSN 1885-4494.  https://dx.doi.org/10.4321/S0004-05922011000300042.

We studied the relationship between physical or chemical characteristics of different sorghum grain hybrids on in situ dry matter (DM), crude protein (CP) and starch degradability. Physical (bulk density, milling ratio, percentage of floating grains, apparent density) and chemical (tannins, CP and kafirins contents) characteristics were related to ruminal degradability of sorghum grains in order to identify predictors for ruminal degradation. Differences in DM, CP and starch degradability in situ between sorghum hybrids were found after 16 h of incubation. Physical characteristics were not related to in situ DM, CP and starch degradability. However, tannins and kafirins contents were related to DM, CP and starch degradability. Degradability of sorghum grain was highly dependent on genotype and tannin contents were the most reliable predictor of DM degradability.

Keywords : Tannins.

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