Effect of feeding brewers’ dried grain on the performance and carcass characteristics of Vanaraja chicks

Abstract

The effect of brewers’ dried grain (BDG) on the performance and carcass characteristics was studied in Vanaraja chicks from 4th week to 9th week of age. Three diets were formulated by inclusion of BDG at 0, 10 and 20% level by partly replacing maize, soya bean meal and deoiled rice bran of the control diet. Body weight gain of chicks was not affected (P<0.05) by the inclusion of BDG. The feed consumption of chicks increased significantly (P<0.05) due to incorporation of BDG at 10 and 20% levels. Feed conversion ratio (FCR) of chicks fed 20% BDG increased significantly (P<0.05). The fat retention decreased significantly (P<0.05) in chicks fed BDG at both the levels. The eviscerated yield percentage, relative weights of wing, neck gizzard and thymus increased significantly (P<0.05) in chicks fed 10–20% BDG diets. The relative weight of drumstick, abdominal fat and caeca decreased significantly (P<0.05) on 10–20% BDG diets. Highest net profit was recorded on 20% BDG diet. It was concluded that BDG could be incorporated up to 20% in the diet of Vanaraja chicks for better carcass yield, and higher profit margin without affecting the growth performance.

Keywords:

• brewers' dried grain
• performance
• carcass characteristics
• Vanaraja chicks

Acknowledgements

The authors are thankful to the Managing Director, United Breweries, Bethoda, Ponda, Goa for providing Brewer's waste for conducting this trial. The authors are also thankful to the Director, ICAR Research Complex for Goa for providing necessary facilities to carry out this study.