Effects of Rice Bran Inclusion on Performance and Bone Mineralization in Broiler Chicks

Rice bran, a by-product of the rice industry, is available for animal feeds. However, it has not been a common part of poultry rations in Argentina. Hydrolytic and oxidative rancidity development, phytate content, enzyme inhibitor, and high fiber content are the most important antinutritive factors cited as limiting factors for its use. An experiment utilizing 1-d-old male broiler chicks was conducted to determine the responses of zootechnical and bone mineralization parameters to diets with different concentrations of rice bran. The feed conversion and tibia ash were more sensitive than weight gain to detect antinutritive factors in rice bran. High concentrations of rice bran (in excess of 20%) produced a significant reduction in body weight. Furthermore, feed conversion and bone mineralization variables were impaired by feeding 10% rice bran diets. The adverse effects of rice bran on weight gain, feed conversion, and mineralization in the current studies suggest that rice bran should be included in broiler diets at a level between 10 and 20% if strategies are not used to decrease the antinutritive activity.