Evaluation of metabolizable energy content of corn distillers dried grain with solubles in adult cockerels with dietary enzyme supplementation

The present study was conducted in adult cockerels to evaluate apparent metabolizable energy content of corn distiller's dried grain with solubles (C-DDGS) as an alternate feed source using practical diet replacement method. Six dietary treatments were formulated, following 3 × 2 factorial design, employing three levels of C-DDGS (0, 20, and 40%) with or without commercial multi enzyme supplementation. Sixty adult cockerels of 16 week age were used in the metabolic trial with 10 birds in each dietary treatment. The conventional grower ration was provided to birds for an adaptation period of 10 days followed by feeding of experimental diets for 12 days with final four days as collection period. Feed intake (FI), crude protein (CP) intake, and energy intake were significantly higher in birds fed with 20% C-DDGS than 40% C-DDGS and control diet. The enzyme supplemented groups showed a reduction in FI, CP intake, and energy intake than non-supplemented groups. The apparent metabolizable energy (AME), dry matter metabolizability (DMM), and gross energy metabolizability (GEM) were significantly lower in diets containing 40% C-DDGS compared to control diet and 20% C-DDGS supplemented diet. The DMM of C-DDGS was significantly lower at 40% level compared to 20% level. The enzyme supplementation significantly increased the AME and GEM of C-DDGS. It was concluded from the study that the AME of C-DDGS is good enough to be considered as an alternative energy feed ingredient of poultry ration at 20% level and the enzyme supplementation improves the AME value of C-DDGS.