Replacement of soya DOC with rice DDGS and its effect on performance, nutrient metabolizability, carcass traits and gut health of broiler chicken.

Objective: - The study was conducted to utilize rice DDGS as a protein source in broiler chicken.

Methods: - Three hundred day old straight run commercial broiler chicks were divided into five groups of four replications each and fed as CG control receiving standard basal diet; 15-RDDGS with 15 percent rice DDGS; 15-RDDGSE with 15 percent rice DDGS supplemented with protease enzyme @ 300g/ton of feed; 20-RDDGS with 20 percent rice DDGS and 20-RDDGSE with 20 percent rice DDGS supplemented with protease enzyme @ 300g/ton of feed.

Results: - The final body weights were significantly (p<0.01) higher and FCR was significantly better for CG and comparable with 15-RDDGS and 15-RDDGSE. The CP metabolizability, was significantly (p<0.05) higher for CG than 15 and 20 percent rice DDGS groups, however the CP metabolizability for protease supplemented 15 and 20 percent rice DDGS group was comparable with control diet. The total viable count (TVC) and E-coli count revealed non-significant differences. There was no negative impact on histological changes in intestine due to inclusion of rice DDGS. There was no negative impact on histological changes such as crypt depth, villus width and villus height in intestine due to interaction between DDGS and enzyme. The carcass traits revealed non-significant differences for dressing percentage, overall giblet weight and abdominal fat.

Conclusion: - It was concluded that rice DDGS can be incorporated upto 20 levels in broiler diet without any adverse effect, however inclusion of 15 percent rice DDGS supplemented with protease enzyme proved to be more economical in broilers.