Related Experiment Videos
Evaluation of sorghum ergot toxicity in broilers
C A Bailey1, J J Fazzino, M S Ziehr
1Department of Poultry Science, Texas Agricultural Experiment Station, Texas A&M University System, College Station 77843-2472, USA. cbailey@poultry.tamu.edu
Poultry Science
|October 28, 1999
Summary
Feeding broilers sorghum ergot, a byproduct of grain sorghum hybrid seed production, did not cause mortality or toxicity symptoms. However, it negatively impacted broiler growth and feed efficiency, especially at higher concentrations.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Agronomy
- Toxicology
Background:
- Sorghum ergot, a byproduct of hybrid seed production, contains toxic alkaloids.
- Understanding the impact of sorghum ergot on broiler performance is crucial for feed formulation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effects of feeding sorghum ergot on broiler performance and health.
- To determine the impact of different concentrations and sources of sorghum ergot on growth, feed efficiency, and toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Three experiments were conducted with broilers fed diets containing sorghum ergot from different Texas locations.
- Diets were formulated based on NRC (1994) requirements, with varying levels of ergot inclusion.
- Broiler performance (growth, feed efficiency) and health indicators (liver weight, toxicity symptoms) were monitored.
Main Results:
- Sorghum ergot did not cause mortality or overt toxicity symptoms in broilers.
- Reduced weight gain and impaired feed conversion were observed, particularly with higher ergot concentrations.
- Liver weights were significantly increased in one experiment, but not consistently affected by ergot type or concentration.
Conclusions:
- Sorghum ergot can negatively affect broiler growth and feed efficiency.
- Further research is needed to establish safe inclusion levels and mitigate potential adverse effects in poultry diets.