Agrotechnology

Influence of Brewers Dried Grains on the performance of Rhode Island Red Chicks

International Conference on Agricultural & Horticultural Sciences

September 14-15, 2012 Hyderabad International Convention Centre, India

B. K. Swain1 and P. K. Naik and N. P. Singh

Posters: Agrotechnol

Abstract:

An experiment was conducted to study the effect incorporation of brewers dried grains (BDG) replacing ground nut cake (GNC) on the performance of Rhode Island Red (RIR) Chicks. Rhode Island Red Chicks (112; one day old) were divided into four groups of 28 chicks (four replicates of seven chicks in each) in each group. Basal diet (20% CP and 2668 kcal ME/ kg) was prepared containing maize, groundnut cake, fish meal and wheat bran. Four isonitrogenous experimental diets were prepared by incorporating BDG @ 0% (T-1), 10% (T-2), 15% (T-3) and 20% (T-4) by partially replacing GNC on nitrogen equivalent basis. The four diets were offered to the four groups randomly for a period of eight weeks. There was no difference (P>0.05) in the total body weight gain (658.6 to 685.3 g) of the chicks among the groups at the end of the experimental period (8th week). The feed intake was highest in the chicks fed 20% BDG. However, the feed conversion ratio was similar (P>0.05) among the groups and ranged from 3.93 to 4.12. The feed cost per kg live weight gain was lowest for T-4 group and highest for T-1 group. It is concluded that brewers dried grains can be included in the diet of Rhode Island Red chicks up to 8 weeks of age @ 20% by replacing GNC.