Growth Performance of Noiler Chickens Fed Diets Containing graded levels of Bovine Rumen Filtrate-Fermented Wheat Bran
This study evaluated the chemical composition of wheat bran fermented with bovine rumen filtrate and its effects on the growth performance of noiler chickens. Wheat bran was fermented using bovine rumen filtrate for a defined period, and its proximate composition was analyzed. The results showed a reduction in crude fibre content from 12.25% to 8.50% and an increase in crude protein from 14.50% to 15.10%, indicating an improvement in nutritive value. A feeding trial was conducted using 120 noiler chickens randomly assigned to four dietary treatments: 0% (control), 12.5%, 25%, and 50% inclusion levels of fermented wheat bran. The growth performance parameters assessed included initial and final body weight, feed intake, weight gain, feed conversion ratio (FCR), and mortality. Although significant differences (p<0.05) were observed in feed intake and average daily feed intake, no significant differences (p>0.05) occurred in weight gain, final body weight, or FCR. Birds fed diets containing fermented wheat bran performed comparably to the control, with no adverse effects on growth performance. These findings suggest that bovine rumen filtrate fermented wheat bran can serve as a viable alternative feed ingredient in noiler diets, potentially reducing reliance on conventional feed resources.
