SUSTAINABILITY FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE August 2025 97 SORGHUM AS A FEED GRAIN ALTERNATIVE: A NEW ERA IN LIVESTOCK FARMING Nate Blum Chief Executive Officer Sorghum United Foundation Sorghum as a feed grain alternative is reshaping livestock farming through its high energy content, improved digestibility, and resource-efficient cultivation. As animal protein demand grows and climate concerns intensify, sorghum offers compelling advantages. From silage options to multi-species versatility, its benefits go beyond nutrition—yet key aspects of its role in sustainability and local economies await discovery in the full article. Sorghum is gaining ground and fast becoming a smart alternative to traditional feed grains. It’s high energy content, low input needs, and environmental benefits make it an ideal choice for modern, sustainable livestock nutrition. This is especially true when it comes to the worlds growing population which is demanding more food production while using fewer resources. A NEW ERA IN LIVESTOCK NUTRITION Animal protein continues to be in high demand from countries all over the world, and with that comes the need for more efficient livestock feed. This is where sorghum comes in as a grain that in the past has often been overlooked but is now emerging as a front-runner in sustainable livestock nutrition. SORGHUM MATCHES CORN IN ENERGY Traditionally, corn has been the grain of choice in livestock diets, and with good reason, as it is known for its high energy value. However, sorghum delivers nearly the same energy content and is now being recognized as a true alternative in many parts of the world, especially where corn is either expensive or hard to grow. Modern sorghum varieties have been bred to be free of tannins, which are compounds that once limited the grain’s use in animal feed. These new varieties make sorghum digestible and extremely palatable when used in livestock feed. This is especially true when it comes to livestock such as broiler chickens and pigs, as sorghum provides the dietary requirements needed to support these fast-growing livestock effectively. Additionally, sorghum helps to support healthy weight gain in animals while providing them with the nutrients that they need to ensure growth, reproduction, and milk or egg production. DIGESTIBILITY IMPROVEMENTS WITH MODERN VARIETIES When processed correctly, by grinding, flaking, or pelleting, this magnificent grain becomes even
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