Effect of fermented rice bran on growth performance and bioavailability of phosphorus in broiler chickens

In the present study, sterilized rice bran was fermented for 48, 72 and 96 hours by Aspergillus flavus and proximate analysis indicated that fermentation changed nutritive value of the rice bran. Four experimental feeds were fed to 4 groups of day old broiler chicks for 6 weeks to evaluate their effects on broiler performance (weekly feed intake, weight gain, FCR and mortality). During first 2 weeks, birds of group D showed significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake and weight gain as compared to groups A (control), B and C. All groups did not show significant differences in feed conversion ratios (FCR). During 3^rd week of trial, chickens of Group D showed significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake, weight gain and FCR as compared to group A. During last 3 weeks, birds in group D showed significant difference (P<0.05) in feed intake, weight gain and FCR as compared to birds of groups A, B and C. Group D showed significantly higher weight gain and better FCR (P<0.05) as compared to groups A, B and C. On the whole, broiler chickens fed on 96 hours fermented rice bran showed best growth performance. In-vivo phytase activity was determined in ash of tibia bones collected from selected birds in each group. Group D showed significantly high percentage (P<0.05) of ash and phosphorus in tibia bones as compared to groups A (control), B and C. In conclusion, fermented rice bran showed beneficial effect on broiler performance and could be used in poultry feed as phytase source.