EFFECTS OF DIETARY GRIT INCLUSION ON THE UTILIZATION OF RICE HUSK BY PULLET CHICKS

Abstract

Two hundred and forty day old pullet chicks were used to investigate the effects of grit inclusion on the utilization of rice husk by pullet chicks. There were eight experimental diets such that 4 levels of rice husk (0, 7.5, 15, and 22.5%) and 2 levels of grit (0 and 5%) were fed. Increasing the levels of grit in the diets of the chicks had no significant effect (P>0.05) on the feed intake, weight gained and feed to gain ratio. There was a significant effect (P>0.05) in fat and fibre retention but no significant effect (P>0.05) in the protein retention on increasing the dietary level of rice husk in the diets. There was also no treatment effect on increasing the dietary level of grit on protein retention (P>0.05). But significant effect (P>0.05) was observed in the fat and fibre retention. Feed cost decreased with the increase in the level of risk husk in the diet. The results obtained from this study showed that up to 5% saving on feed cost can be accomplished, without any adverse effect on the performance of pullet chicks through the use of grit.