The performance of broiler chicken fed diets containing varying levels of Sortex® rejected rice

Abstract

This study was conducted to determine the performance of broiler chicken fed diets containing varying levels of Sortex® rejected rice (SRR), a by-product of rice milling. A total of 400 Ross 308 broiler day-old chicks were procured and out of this 360, after brooding, were randomly subjected to four levels of SRR inclusion as replacement for maize (T0 = 0%, T1 = 25%, T2 = 50% and T3 = 75%) in a complete randomised design. Birds were placed on the treatments from 4 to 8 weeks af-ter being fed the same start diet for 4 weeks. Each treatment had six (6) replicates with 15 birds per replicate making 90 birds per treatment. The birds had ad libitum access to feed and water. Weekly feed intake and weight gained were recorded throughout the experimental period. The data ob-tained were used to calculate the feed conversion ratio (FCR). Four (4) birds from each replicate were randomly selected for carcass studies. The data obtained were analysed using the SAS Proc. GLM. The results of the study revealed non-significant (P > 0.05) differences in the weights gained, feed intake and FCR between treatments. The dietary treatments did not exert any signifi-cant influence on the carcass parameters measured including the dressed percentage. At the end of the study, no significant (P>0.05) differences were seen in the blood parameters measured except the platelets (PLT) and White blood cells (WBC). The partial inclusion of SRR up to 75% for maize resulted in economic savings of up to Gh¢0.47per kg of feed. It can be concluded that the SRR is a potential alternative for replacing maize as a major ingredient in broiler diet during the finisher stage and reduce the cost of broiler production.