EFFECT OF RUMEN-FILTRATE FERMENTED RICE HUSK ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE AND NUTRIENT DIGESTIBILITY OF BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract

The study was conducted to evaluate the effect of Rumen-filtrate fermented rice husk on growth performance of broiler chickens. A total of 150 Day-old chicks were used for the research. Rumen filtrate treated rice husk Meals was included at 0, 5, 10, 15 and 20% to form diets T 1, T 2, T 3, T 4, and T 5. The experimental design used was Completely Randomized Design (CRD). The chickens were randomly allocated to five treatments having three replicates each with ten birds per replicate. Clean water and fed were provided ad libitum. Experimental birds were managed under a deep litter system. Nutrient digestibility trial was conducted at eight week. Data on feed intake, body weight, weight gain and feed conversion were collected and analysed using One Way Analysis of Variance. The results showed no significant (P>0.05) differences in live weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratio and mortality. However, the growth rate was influenced (P<0.05) by the dietary treatments (T1 13.87, T2 11.76, T3 14.50, T4 14.68, T5 14.80). Apparent digestibility results showed that dry matter, crude protein, crude fibre and ether extract digestibility were influenced (P<0.05) by dietary treatments. The results obtained from this study indicated that dietary inclusion of fermented rice husk meal supported a superior performance of chicks and can be included in broiler‘s diets up to 20% without detrimental effects.