Effect of Feeding Cobb Broilers at Different Ages with Various Levels of Cono Rice Bran
Author(s): Ma. Evilia Tibon and G. R Gerona
Abstract
Cobb broilers were fed with rations containing 0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% levels of cono rice bran at different ages (one day, 2, 4, and 6 weeks old) until market age (8 weeks old). Results of the experiment revealed that feed consumption of the birds was not affected by the levels of rice bran nor by the ages when the different levels were fed. Cono rice bran can replace corn at 10% level without marked effect in weight gain. Replacement of corn at higher levels (20-50%) on the broiler rations significantly lowered the mean gain in weight of broilers at 8 weeks. Inspite of the significant weight gained and feed conversion efficiency by birds fed with 0% level (control), the return above feed cost per kg liveweight revealed that birds fed with 30, 40 and 50% cono rice bran gave the highest return above feed cost. Furthermore, rice bran as the main energy source in broiler rations can be fed starting from a day old up to the 8th week without marked effect on the gain in weight, feed consumption, and feed conversion efficiency of the birds.