Effects of diet containing graded levels of de-oiled rice bran on the growth performance and carcass of broiler finisher chickens

Abstract

This study investigated the effects of diet containing graded levels of de-oiled rice bran (DORB) on the growth performance and carcass of some broiler finisher chickens. Two hundred and twenty-five (225) finishing broiler chickens underwent a four-week feeding trial with varied DORB levels (0.0, 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0%). Chickens on diets containing 0.0 and 2.5% DORB diets exhibited the highest final weight and daily weight gain, with performance declining at higher inclusion levels. Feed intake decreased with rising DORB dietary levels, indicating possible challenges with digestion and utilization of the diets. Dressing percentage was highest in chickens fed the control diet, 2.5 and 5.0% DORB based diets but declined with higher DORB levels. Abdominal fat weight also significantly reduced with increased DORB, likely attributed to dietary fiber content. The poor performance in productive parameters with increased inclusion of DORB beyond 2.5% was attributed to the fibrous nature of the test ingredient. It is concluded in the study that concluded that DORB can be included in the diets for broiler chickens up to 2.5% without a negative effect on performance indices. However, for better outcomes, exogenous fibrolytic enzymes may be effective to improve the inclusion level of DORB in broiler diets. Further studies could assess the impact of DORB on broilers’ immune response and economic benefit.