Grain Sorghum for Growing-Finishing Swine

Abstract

Two hundred and twenty-four pigs were used to compare corn (8.5%. and 11% protein) with grain sorghums for growing-finishing swine. Although the greatest average daily gain was made by the pigs fed 8.5% protein corn, the difference between those fed corn and certain of the grain sorghums was not significant. The smallest gains were made by pigs fed 11% protein corn and the grain sorghum Hybrid RS 610. In general, it required approximately 0.2 to 0.7 lb. more feed to produce a pound of gain with grain sorghums than with corn, depending upon the variety fed. When corn and milo were fed alone or in combination at different proportions the greatest average daily gains were made by the pigs fed a ration composed of ⅓ corn and ⅔ milo (grain portion). The least gains were made by those fed an all milo, 14% protein ration. Gains on the all-milo ration increased as the level of protein was increased from 14% to 16%, but were still significantly less than the gains made on a combination of ⅓ corn and ⅔ milo. Pigs fed an all-corn ration required the least feed per pound of gain; but, only 0.05 lb. more feed per pound gain was required by pigs fed the ⅓ corn-⅔ milo ration. Significantly more feed was required per pound1 of gain with an all-milo, 14% protein ration. Copyright © . .