Abstract
The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of substituting yellow corn with low-tannin sorghum on growth performance, nutrient digestibilities, and some gene expressions. Chickens were divided into the four groups: 1) the basal diet containing 100% yellow corn, 2) 25% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum, 3) 50% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum, and 4) 100% yellow corn was replaced with low-tannin sorghum. Body weight significantly improved (P?<?0.05) by low-tannin sorghum substitutions, however, feed conversion ratio (FCR) was improved numerically (P?=?0.672). Moreover, a significant decrease in the thiobarbituric acid reactive substance in muscle was found in all sorghum groups (P?<?0.05). The mRNAs of genes related to growth and antioxidative properties insulin growth factor (IGF), ?-Actin, fatty acids synthesis (FAS), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were significantly increased due to low-tannin sorghum substitutions. Interestingly, feeding the 50% yellow corn + 50% low-tannin sorghum diet led to a significant increase in mRNA expressions of IGF, ?-Actin, FAS, GPX and SOD in broilers. It could be concluded that substitution of 50% yellow corn with low-tannin sorghum might improve performance, modify plasma lipids and enhance the antioxidative status in broilers.