Comparisons of sorghum grain (Milo) and maize as the principal cereal grain source in poultry rations

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Abstract
Two trials were performed in order to determine the effect of all‐vegetable milo diets on layer performance, and in an attempt to pinpoint possible deficiencies in milo grain. The diets were supplemented with acidulated soya soapstock, fish meal and/or methionine. Under the conditions of this study, the only consistent and significant effect due to the source of cereal grains was the reduction of egg size due to milo. Fish meal supplementation of milo diets almost, or completely, equalised egg weights, and some beneficial effects were also obtained from added methionine and soapstock. The linoleic acid content of maize is decidedly higher than that of milo, a difference which is reflected in the fatty acid composition of the respective diets, and which causes corresponding changes in the fatty acid pattern of the yolk lipids of eggs produced by hens fed these diets. Soya soapstock added to milo diets tended to equalise the yolk fatty acid pattern obtained with milo and maize diets. It is suggested that in milo‐soya diets methionine is the first limiting factor, and that linoleic acid is the next limiting factor in increasing egg size, after the first requirement has been met.