[Replacement of corn by sorghum on zootechnical performance and digestibility in Rabbits]

ABSTRACT Corn is the main source of energy in animal diets. In some Brazilian regions, its availability, especially in the off-season, may be insufficient to meet demand, which causes prices to increase. In this context, the aim of this study was to evaluate the substitution of maize by sorghum on the performance and digestibility of rabbits. Sixty New Zealand White bucks were used, divided in three treatments, maize base ration (TM); based on grain sorghum ration (TS) and base ration 50% corn + 50% sorghum grain (TMS). In the performance test, weight gain (GP), feed intake (CR) and feed conversion ratio (CA) were evaluated. In the digestibility assay, 21 animals were used. The total dry matter (CDMS), crude protein (CDPB), gross energy (EB), neutral detergent fiber (CDFDN) and acid detergent fiber (CDFDA) coefficients were evaluated. There was no significant difference for any of the performance parameters studied (P > 0.05). The digestibility results showed higher CDPB and CDFDN in the corn diet (P <0.05), with no differences between the other parameters studied. Low tannin sorghum can be used in rabbit growth diets at substitution levels of 50% or 100% of maize participation without impairing zootechnical performance and digestibility.