Practical Methods to Determine the Presence of Tannins in Sorghum

Abstract

Some types of grain sorghum contain tannins which are deleterious to poultry performance. The quantitative test for sorghum, while useful, cannot feasibly be employed in quality control programs in which quick results are needed at the elevator or feed mill. Two qualitative tests, the “scratch” test and the “bleach” test, are described. These tests will help quality control personnel detect sorghums that contain tannins.