RUMEN EPITHELIAL SCRAPINGS MEAL AND RUMEN DIGESTA AS ALTERNATIVE PROTEIN SOURCE OF SOYBEAN MEAL IN BROILER RATION

Abstract

A four week long study was conducted to measure the effects of Rumen epithelial scrapings meal (RESM) with Rumen digesta (RD) partially replacing soybean meal in broiler diet in terms of improving performance, carcass quality and blood parameters of broiler. Ninety day-old Cobb 500 chicks were randomly distributed into three dietary treatment groups having 30 birds in each. T0 was the control group where no RESM and RD were added. Other dietary treatment groups T1 and T2 were fed with RESM & RD at the level of 5% and 10%, respectively. The diets were iso-caloric and iso-nitrogenous and the ratio of RESM and RD was 1:1. Results showed that a significant difference (P<0.01) in feed consumption in different groups at 2nd and 4th week of age and it was highest in T2 among all the groups. Highly significant (P<0.01) differences were observed in case of cumulative feed consumption both at 3rd and 4th week of age. Live weights differed significantly at 1st to 4th week of age and were higher in T1 and T2 groups in comparison with T0. The values of feed conversion (FC) was significantly (P<0.01) lower in T1 and T2 groups. The increase in final and eviscerated weight observed from both T1 and T2 treatment groups were highly significant (P≤0.01). Drumstick, thigh and feet weight were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2 groups but better in T2 than T1. Liver and heart weight were significantly higher (P<0.01) in T1 and T2. The difference in weights of breast, wing, gizzard and spleen were non-significant (P>0.05), though increased values were found in T1 and T2 groups. No Significant (P>0.05) difference was found in Cholesterol and Aspartate aminotransferase levels of different groups. Highly significant (P<0.01) differences were found in total protein, triglycerides and Alanine aminotransferase level though decreased values were found in all parameters at in T1 and T2 groups in comparison with control. Cost benefit analysis also showed that Net profit (Tk/broiler, Tk/kg live weight) were higher in T1 and T2 groups. Addition of 5% to 10% RESM and RD may be supplied in broiler ration to increase performance, quality of carcass, blood parameters. 10% RESM and RD is recommended for better performance, reducing production cost.