Economics of Growth Production of Indigenous Chicken Fed Distillers Dried Grains with Solubles (DDGS) with or without Supplementation of Exogenous Enzyme
Ashim Kumar Saikia *
Department of Animal Nutrition, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Sc., Joying, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India.
Rafiqul Islam
Department of Poultry Science, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Jakir Hussain
Department of Livestock Production and Management, College of Veterinary Science, Assam Agricultural University, Khanapara, Guwahati, Assam, India.
Debajit Deka
Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Baksa, Kharua, Assam Agricultural University, Baksa, India.
Asish Saikia
Department of Animal Nutrition, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Sc., Joying, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India.
Biju Borah
Department of Veterinary Extension Education, Lakhimpur College of Veterinary Sc., Joying, Assam Agricultural University, North Lakhimpur, India.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), a byproduct of ethanol production process, have been utilized as a potential feed component in the diets of livestock and poultry, as a source of both energy and protein. This study evaluated the effects of feeding DDGS, replacing maize and soybean, with or without exogenous multi-enzyme supplementation on the growth performance and economics of indigenous chickens. A total of 180, 21-day-old indigenous chicks were randomly assigned to six groups (T1–T6) of 30 birds each. Groups T1, T3, and T5 received basal diets containing 0, 10, and 20% DDGS, respectively, while T2, T4, and T6 were fed the same diets supplemented with a multi-enzyme preparation. All birds were reared for 182 days. Results showed that the highest final body weight was observed in the T2 group (1643.93 ± 25.22 g) and the lowest in the T5 group (1580.00 ± 14.50 g), with no significant differences (P>0.05) among groups in regards to total body weight gain, daily gain or feed conversion ratio. Feed cost per kilogram live weight gain was reduced by up to 11% in DDGS-fed groups compared to the control. Overall, inclusion of DDGS up to 20% in indigenous chicken diets, with or without enzyme supplementation, maintained growth performance while improving economic efficiency. It is concluded that DDGS can be included in indigenous chicken diets up to 20% level to reduce production costs and support sustainable backyard poultry farming.
Keywords: Indigenous chicken, DDGS, economics, enzymes, FCR, growth