Evaluation of feeding value of rice based Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) for broiler chickens

A biological experiment of 160 day old chicks for six weeks was undertaken with completely randomized design (CRD) divided into five treatments, each consisting of 4 replicates and 8 chicks in each replicate. Five experimental diets as per ICAR (2013) were prepared by incorporating rice distillers dried grains with solubles (rDDGS) at inclusion level of (0, 7.5, 10.0, 12.5 and 15.0%). Chemical analysis revealed that rice DDGS on as such basis is high in both crude protein 44.68% and gross energy 4232 kcal/kg. In vitro pepsin-pancreatin digestibility (IVPPD) of rDDGS was found 79.81%. At the inclusion level of 7.5, 10 and 12.5 %, growth performance and nutrient utilization did not show any significant (P>0.05) difference as compared to control but at 15% rDDGS inclusion level, growth performance (body weight gain, feed intake and FCR) and nutrient utilization (dry matter and energy metabolizability, nitrogen retention %) were significantly (P<0.01) lower in 15% rDDGS (T5) group as compared to control (T1) and other dietary treatments. Carcass traits did not show any significant (P>0.05) difference between control and other dietary treatments. Cost of production per kg live weight and meat yield were significantly (P<0.01) lower in 7.5 % and above rDDGS levels. Thus, it is concluded that rDDGS can be safely incorporated in broiler chickens diets up to the inclusion level of 12.5% as alternate protein meal for economic broiler production.