Domain of anti-nutritional factors in sorghum: A perspective of livestock nutrition

Tannins and dhurrin (cyanogenic glucoside) are the two main anti-nutritional elements of sorghum. However, other antinutritive compounds including phytoestrogens, phytates (phytic acid), and alkaloids can also affect the quality of feed if they are not managed. While tannins are a polyphenolic compound found in grains, dhurrin is a cyanogenic glucoside that is mostly present in aerial shoots and sprouted seeds. Phytoestrogens are phenolic com-pounds found in small amounts in the stems, seeds, and bran layers of the sorghum grain. Salts of esters called phytates are present in grains. The most common phytoestrogens found in sorghum are lignans. The intestinal ab-sorption of dietary and endogenous amino acids as well as the digestibility of proteins can all be hampered by tan-nin and phytates. Tannin also has the ability to complex proteins in the gut. Dhurrin reduces oxygen intake, causing animals to have breathing difficulties, grasping, convulsions, and even paralysis. On the other hand, when ingested in sufficient amounts by animals, phytoestrogens bind to minerals like calcium, iron, and zinc in the digestive tract, reducing their bioavailability. Oxalates bind to calcium and magnesium in livestock feed, reducing their bioavailability. Lower serum calcium and magnesium levels result from fodder that contains more alkaloids. As a contribution to lessen impact of sorghum antinutritional factors on animal nutrition, this review examines the principal anti-nutritional component of sorghum, its significance in livestock nutrition, current breeding, and biotechnology as well as crop management techniques. Key words: Alkaloids, Dhurrin, Phytoestrogens, Phytates, Tannins