Metabolizable energy content of pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke].

Three experiments were conducted to determine the nitrogen-corrected metabolizable energy (MEn) content of ground pearl millet [Pennisetum americanum (L.) Leeke]. On a dry matter basis, 40% ground pearl millet was substituted for an equivalent amount of glucose monohydrate (reference substance) to determine MEn using male broiler chicks. Food and excreta samples were analyzed for nitrogen, gross energy, chromic oxide, and dry matter. On a dry matter basis, the MEn content of the ground pearl millet ranged from 2.891 to 3.204 kcal/g, depending upon the pearl millet cultivar used. These results suggest that previously reported MEn values for pearl millet may be underestimated by up to 21%.