STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE THE NUTRITIVE-VALUE OF RICE BRAN IN POULTRY DIETS - I - THE ADDITION OF FOOD ENZYMES TO TARGET THE NONSTARCH POLYSACCHARIDE FRACTIONS IN DIETS OF CHICKENS AND DUCKS GAVE NO RESPONSE

1. Three experiments were undertaken to test the efficacy of 2 enzymes targeting mainly the non-starch polysaccharides (NSPs) in rice bran. 2. In experiment one, 400 g rice bran/kg depressed chick performance a nd there was a significant decline in growth rate and food intake with increasing inclusion of rice bran (0, 200, 400 g). Neither enzyme had any benefit. 3. In experiment two, rice bran (inclusion 200 and 400 g /kg), did not alter growth rate, food intake or food conversion ratio of duckling (3 to 17 d of age). Again enzyme addition gave no response . 4. In experiment three, 300 g rice bran/kg stimulated duck (19 to 35 d of age) growth while 600 g rice bran/kg depressed growth but not fo od intake. Enzymes gave no response. 5. Relative gut viscosity decline d with increasing rice bran inclusion as did dry matter in ileal diges ta. There were differences between ducklings and chickens. 6. It was c oncluded that NSPs were not a significant factor in altering the nutri tive value of rice bran and the enzymes used were therefore unlikely t o be of benefit.