The Use of High Fiber Diets in Poultry 2. Growing and Laying Ducks

Abstract

The study aimed to investigate the optimum level of fiber, in growing and laying ducks, which does not induce adverse effect in laying period. Rough rice bran was used as a source of dietary fiber. The trial was conducted in 2 experiments. Exp. 1 started at 14-18 weeks of age, until 6 months of laying period while Exp. 2 was during a 6 months of laying period only. The levels of fiber in both experiments were 6, 9, 12 and 15%. The result was found that growing ducks up 16 weeks of age can tolerate high fiber level (9-15%). The optimum level of fiber in laying ducks seemed to be at 9% of the diet. The higher level caused inferior egg production and feed efficiency, although egg size tended to increase.