Research note: Proso millet as an alternative grain source in white leghorn pullet diets

Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is an alternative cereal grain that requires less water to grow for a sustainable feed option in dry arid climates. Most published studies have been conducted in broilers, while this research was conducted with Leghorn replacement pullets. White Leghorn pullets were fed whole millet seed to test feasibility of using up to 20% whole millet seed in a balanced ration. Leghorn pullets were fed 0, 10 or 20% whole millet seed from 1 day of age to 14 wks of age. Age by diet interaction effects were significant for 14 wk body wt. (P<.01) and 7 and 14 wk feed conversion (P<.05). Pullets fed 20% millet had poorer feed conversion early in the study (7 wks) and later in the study (10-14 wks of age). There were no significant main effects of dietary millet seed level on pullet growth or feed intake. Age effects were significant for body wt and feed intake as would be expected in pullets from day old to 14 wks of age with both increasing as the pullets aged. In summary, whole proso millet seed can be safely fed in pullet rations at the expense of corn, soybean meal and supplemental corn oil to keep diets isoenergetic.