Sorghum: a Sustainable Feeding Solution for Monogastrics

Sorghum has gradually come to be a new raw material in monogastric feeding in Hungary. In her presentation, Dr. Orsolya Varga, R&D Manager with Bona Farm-Bábolna Feed Ltd., spoke about the economic and environmental advantages of the crop and the results of trials carried out in poultry operations.

A Cereal that is Apt to Tackle Climate Challenges

Sorghum stands out by its ability to thrive in difficult climate conditions. As a plant that is drought-tolerant and needing little irrigation, it can be grown in semi-arid areas. Moreover, its deep roots favour carbon sequestration and soil structuring, thus improving the health of the latter and reducing its erosion. These characteristics make sorghum a key crop, which can meet the challenges of climate change.

An Economic and Versatile Solution

Besides its environmental advantages, sorghum also helps to cut production costs, since it is less dependent upon fertilizers, pesticides, and irrigation. It also stands out through its versatility, being used as feed, or in ethanol production, or for various industrial and food products. These assets make it an economically viable option for farmers and industries.

Proven Performance in Animal Feed

Trials carried out by Bona Farm-BábolnaFeed Ltd. indicate that when included in the rations of broilers and Peking ducks, sorghum does not affect the birds’ performance. Results indicate that when combined with the proper proteins, sorghum can reduce feed costs whilst maintaining high production levels. At specific crude fibre contents, sorghum improves the bird’s final weight – namely the breast and leg meat yields – while reducing feed costs.

Rising Trend

Since 2018, the use of sorghum in agriculture has seen a significant increase. Despite a grain price crisis in 2023, sorghum demand has been rising both in the feed industry, and in sectors such as bioethanol. For 2025, estimates indicate a notable increase in the overall production and use of this cereal.

Promising Future

Sorghum has come to be a sustainable and economic solution in feeding monogastric animals. Thanks to its many advantages, it meets the needs of agriculture whilst also being environment-friendly. As underlined during the European Sorghum Conference, this cereal may well become a staple of tomorrow’s agriculture, capable to adapt to both climate and economic challenges.

Bona Farm Group is the largest agrifood actor in Hungary, with an impressive turnover of €1,5 billion, in 2024. The Group gathers together several key industries, from farm production to processing, through livestock and wine growing. The Group has taken an interest in sorghum for several years, with a view to using it as feed for monogastrics.

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