Effects of Expander Conditioning of Corn- and Sorghum-Based Diets on Pellet Quality and Performance in Finishing Pigs and Lactating Sows

Abstract

Pellet durability index was similar for sorghum- vs com-based diets but was greater
\nfor expander-conditioned pellets than standard-conditioned pellets. For finishing
\npigs, ADG, F/G, and carcass measurenlents
\nwere similar for pigs fed sorghum vs com.
\nEfficiency of gain was 6% better for pigs fed
\npelleted diets compared to those given meal
\ndiets but was sinlilar for pigs fed the
\nconventional- and expander-conditioned diets. For sows, the com- and sorghumbased
\ndiets supported similar litter performance.
\nOur data indicate that sorghum is an excellent feedstuff: comparable to corn, in
\ndiets for finishing pigs and sows.