Effects of lactic acid bacteria on phytate and the ensiling properties of Sorghum bicolor L. Moench

Abstract

Sorghum bicolor is known for its multiple uses and is grown for human grain and livestock feed. The study aimed at assessing the effects of incorporating Lactic Acid bacteria (LAB) on the ensiling properties of sorghum bicolor and an antinutritional factor (ANF) called phytate. Dry matter, pH, ash, crude protein, crude fiber, carbohydrates, and phytate were measured as indices of the grain ferment value from January to August. A feed nutrient quality evaluation was conducted with 3 treatments and having 4 replications. The test was conducted using a completely random design. Laboratory analysis of the variables was done on day 6 of the experiment. Results showed that treating sorghum with LAB significantly (P0.05) affected the nitrogen-free extracts, pH, and phytate but did not however affect the dry matter, crude fiber, crude protein, and ash content (P0.05). There was a significant (p0.05) decrease in phytate and nitrogen-free extracts for the LAB-treated sorghum as compared to non-LAB-treated sorghum. Ash content was significantly lower (p0.05) in LAB-treated sorghum and interestingly higher in non-LAB-treated sorghum. The study showed that treating sorghum with LAB significantly reduces phytate levels in feed and has little effect on the nutrient status of the feed. Keywords: Sorghum, Proximate, Phytate, LAB-treated