Evaluation of brewer's dried grains in the diets of broiler chickens

Abstract

Isonitrogenous and isocaloric diets containing 0, 10, 20, 30 and 40% of brewer's dried grains (BDG) were given ad libitum to 300 chicks. Three separate periods (0–4, 4–8 and 8–12 weeks of age) were considered. Starter diets were used in Period I and finisher diets in Periods II and III. There was a significant decrease in body-weight gain during Periods I and II, when using 20% or more BDG, and Period III, when using 30% or more, but final body weight was lower only in Period I. Feed efficiency followed the same trend. No diet affected either food intake or dressing percentage. Digestive-tract weight significantly increased ( p < 0.01) on using 20% or more BDG in the first period. Abdominal fat-pad weight significantly decreased ( p < 0.01) with the use of BDG, the effect being more intense in Period III. Body composition was significantly affected only in Period I ( p < 0.05); there was a decrease in muscle content and a similar increase in bone content with the use of 20% or more BDG. Muscle composition was significantly modified in Periods II and III on using 10% or more BDG, there being an increase in protein and a decrease in fat. It appears that brewer's dried grains should not be given in excess of 10% (0–8 weeks) or 20% (8–12 weeks).