Millets in Poultry Feeding: A Smart Solution for Sustainable and Cost-Effective Production
Eliza Thote1, Samiksha Suroshe1, Ajay Mendake1, Sakshi Tirpude2
1Assistant Professor, Shourabh College of Veterinary Science, RAJUVAS, Rajasthan
2Assistant Professor, Ramkumari College of Veterinary Science, RAJUVAS, Rajasthan
Corresponding author mail: elizathote@gmail.com
Abstract
The poultry sector in India is expanding rapidly, but increasing feed costs- especially due to rising maize prices- pose a serious challenge to profitability. Feed accounts for nearly 65–70% of total production expenses. Therefore, identifying economical and sustainable alternative feed resources has become essential. Millets, often referred to as “Nutri-cereals,” are gaining attention due to their good nutrient profile, drought tolerance, and low input requirements. These grains provide adequate energy, protein, minerals, and bioactive compounds beneficial for poultry health. Research studies indicate that millets such as sorghum, pearl millet, finger millet, and foxtail millet can partially or completely replace maize without negatively affecting performance when used appropriately. This article highlights the role of millets in poultry nutrition, their advantages, limitations, and future potential in promoting sustainable poultry farming.
Keywords: Millets, Poultry nutrition, Maize replacement, Sustainable feeding, Broiler performance, Feed cost reduction
Introduction
Poultry farming plays a vital role in supplying affordable animal protein and generating income for farmers across India. However, the high and fluctuating cost of feed ingredients, particularly maize, remains a major constraint. The demand for maize is continuously increasing due to its use in human food, animal feed, and industrial applications, leading to supply pressure and price instability.
To address this issue, alternative feed ingredients are being explored. Millets are among the most promising options due to their adaptability to harsh climatic conditions and their nutritional richness. India is the leading producer of millets globally, yet their utilization in poultry diets is still limited (Cisse et al., 2017). Incorporating millets into poultry feed not only reduces dependence on maize but also supports climate-resilient and sustainable agricultural systems.
Nutritional Significance of Millets in Poultry Diets
Millets are considered nutritionally superior to many conventional cereals. They provide moderate to high levels of metabolizable energy (2600–3200 kcal/kg) along with protein content ranging from 8 to 14%. In addition, millets are rich in essential minerals such as calcium, iron, and phosphorus, as well as vitamins and antioxidants that support bird health and immunity. These characteristics make millets a suitable substitute for maize in poultry rations, particularly when feed cost reduction is a priority (Issa et al., 2016).
Types of Millets and Their Use in Poultry Feeding
1] Sorghum (Jowar)
Sorghum is widely used as an alternative energy source in poultry diets. It has a nutritional value comparable to maize but lacks natural pigments required for egg yolk coloration. Studies have shown that low-tannin sorghum can replace up to 50% of maize without affecting growth performance or feed efficiency (Issa et al., 2016). However, higher tannin levels may reduce nutrient digestibility, requiring proper selection of varieties.
2] Pearl Millet (Bajra)
Pearl millet is rich in protein and energy and is well suited for cultivation in arid regions. It has been successfully used as a substitute for maize in poultry diets. Research indicates that pearl millet can replace up to 75% of maize in layer diets without adverse effects on egg production or quality (Mehri et al., 2010). However, excess inclusion may lead to increased fat deposition.
3] Finger Millet (Ragi)
Finger millet is known for its high calcium and iron content. It has beneficial effects on egg quality and reduces fat accumulation in birds. However, due to its higher fibre and tannin content, its inclusion is generally limited to about 10–15% in poultry diets (Tadele et al., 2018).
4] Foxtail Millet
Foxtail millet has a favourable nutrient profile with high protein and energy levels and minimal anti-nutritional factors. Research findings suggest that it can replace maize completely in broiler diets without affecting performance, although more large-scale studies are needed (Rama Rao et al., 2004).
5] Other Small Millets
Millets such as barnyard, kodo, and proso millet are also rich in nutrients, including vitamins and minerals. However, their use in poultry feeding is limited due to a lack of standardized feeding recommendations (Khalil et al., 2023).
Advantages of Using Millets in Poultry Feed
- Reduces dependence on costly maize
- Helps lower overall feed cost
- Supports sustainable and climate-resilient agriculture
- Requires less water and agricultural inputs
- Improves bird health due to antioxidant properties
Limitations and Challenges
Despite their benefits, millets have certain limitations:
- Lower energy density compared to maize
- Presence of anti-nutritional factors like tannins and non-starch polysaccharides
- Lack of natural pigments affecting egg yolk colour
- Variability in nutrient composition
These challenges can be minimized by adopting suitable processing techniques and using feed additives such as enzymes (Bedford, 2006).
Conclusion
Millets have significant potential as alternative feed ingredients in poultry nutrition. Their ability to reduce feed costs, combined with their environmental and nutritional advantages, makes them highly valuable for sustainable poultry production. With proper diet formulation and scientific management, millets can effectively replace maize without compromising productivity. Promoting their use will not only enhance farmer profitability but also contribute to climate-smart agriculture and long-term food security.
References
Adeleye, O., Ogunwole, O.A., Olumide, M.D. and Ojediran, T.T. (2020). Whole pearl millet feeding does not impair performance and nutrient digestibility in broiler chickens. Journal of Animal Physiology and Animal Nutrition. 104 (2): 517–528.
Bedford, M.R. (2006). The role of carbohydrase’s in feedstuff digestion. World’s Poultry Science Journal. 62 (1): 23–36.
Cisse, R.S., Hamburg, J.D., Freeman, M.E. and Davis, A.J. (2017). Using locally produced millet as a feed ingredient for poultry production. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 26 (1): 9–22.
Issa, S., Jarial, S., Brah, N. and Harouna, L. (2016). Are millet and sorghum good alternatives to maize in layer feeds? Indian Journal of Animal Sciences. 86 (11): 1302–1305.
Khalil, M.A., Tarsha, H.A. and Kussaibati, R.J. (2023). Effects of replacing maize by proso millet on broiler performance. Journal of World Poultry Research. 13 (2): 261–267.
Mehri, M., Pourreza, J. and Sadeghi, G. (2010). Replacing maize with pearl millet in laying hens’ diets. Tropical Animal Health and Production. 42 (3): 439–444.
Rama Rao, S.V., Raju, M.V.L.N. and Panda, A.K. (2004). Utilization of foxtail millet in broiler diets. Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences. 17 (4): 553–557.
Tadele, Y., Negesse, T.N.A. and Yadav, K. (2018). Effect of finger millet on production performance and egg quality. International Journal of Poultry Science. 17 (1): 40–50.
