Evaluation of the feeding value of rice gluten meal for broiler chickens

An experiment of six weeks duration was undertaken to investigate the effects of feeding rice gluten meal (RGM) on the growth performance, nutrient utilization, carcass traits and cost economics in broiler production. A total of 192 one-d-old chicks were divided into six treatments in a completely randomized design, each consisting of 4 replicates and 8 chicks in per replicate. Six experimental diets were prepared by incorporating graded levels (0, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 per cent) of RGM to the basal diet. The RGM contained 49.94% CP and had 4742 kcal/kg GE. Results showed that incorporation of RGM up to 15% showed no significant differences (P>0.05) in growth performance and nutrient utilization as compared to the control with no RGM. However, at 20% RGM level of inclusion, it led to a similar growth rate but with a significantly (P<0.05) poorer feed conversion ratio and nutrient utilization. Further, at 25 and 30 per cent levels, RGM inclusion showed significantly (P<0.05) decreased growth rate, nutrient utilization and feed conversion ratio as compared to control and other dietary treatments. There were no differences (P>0.05) on various carcass traits among the groups with the incorporation of various levels of RGM. The cost of production per kg LW and kg meat yield were significantly (P<0.01) lower in groups fed diets containing RGM at all levels as compared to the control. It is concluded that RGM can be safely incorporated in broiler chickens diets up to 15% for safe and economic broiler production.