Research by Queensland's Department of Primary Industries (QDPI) indicates new varieties of dwarf pearl millet are a potential alternative to grain sorghum in feed for intensive livestock, particularly pigs and poultry.

Studies by Danny Singh, from QDPI's Poultry Research and Development Centre in Cleveland, shows the protein content of new pearl millet varieties ranged between 10.5% and 17.94%, with the mean value of 14.85%, slightly more than sorghum on 14.2%.

Mr Singh also found 87% of the pearl millets sampled had protein content greater than 14%, while fat content was also higher than sorghum.

The pearl millet varieties were also superior to sorghum in profiles of the amino acids lysine, cystine and theronine.

Mr Singh's samples came from a selection of US pearl millet varieties being evaluated for Australian conditions by QDPI under a project supported by the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC).

Contact: Danny Singh 07 3824 3081