Strategies for maximizing utilization of de-oiled rice bran (DORB) in the fish feed.

Abstract

De-oiled rice bran (DORB) is obtained after oil is removed from the rice bran. This is the commonly used ingredient in the feeding of Indian major carps due to its cheaper cost. DORB is used as a feed ingredient in cattle, poultry, and fish diet. Along with this, they are also used in making fiber-rich biscuits and extraction of an antioxidant compound like oryzanol and other industrial uses. Due to the increased competition, there will be a huge imbalance in the demand and supply for this ingredient in the years to come. DORB is associated with high fiber content, anti-nutrients, and non-starch polysaccharides which lead to its poor utilization resulting in a higher feed conversion ratio (FCR) in fish. Hence, the strategic utilization of this ingredient by solid-state fermentation, exogenous enzyme supplementation, and supplementing it with deficient nutrients like amino acids and fatty acids will help in improving the utilization of this ingredient.