Effects of feeding rumen liquor-fermented rice bran on performance of broiler chicken

The study was conducted to evaluate the chemical composition of rice bran (RB) fermented by rumen liquor and its effect on the performance and blood metabolites of broiler chickens. Initially, rice bran was fermented by using rumen liquor and analyzed to ascertain the nutritional changes. Subsequently, the fermented rice bran (FRB) was dried and used in broiler diet to study their performance. A total of 150 day-old unsexed broiler chicks (BAU Bro) were divided into five groups having 30 birds in each. The control diet contained 10.0% unfermented rice bran, which was further replaced by 2.5, 5.0, 7.5 and 10.0 per cent FRB in die feed. Live weight, feed offered, and feed leftover was recorded weekly. Blood samples were collected at the end of the trial (35 d). The crude protein contents increased from 12.2 to 14.3% in the FRB, phytate phosphorus decreased from 0.7 to 0.3%, but crude fibre decreased from 11.2 to 9.6% compared to control. Weight gain was significantly higher(P < 0.05) (1385g) in the 10.0% FRB group. The higher feed intake (2377g) along with a lower feed conversion ratio (1.72) was observed in the 10.0% FRB group (P < 0.05). Serum creatinine and phosphorus concentration were higher (P < 0.05) in the 7.5% FRB group. Based on the study outcomes, it could be concluded that fermentation using rumen liquor improved the protein quality and nutritive value of RB, which was reflected in better performance and improved blood metabolites of broiler.