The oxidation of rice polishing and complete feed, can significantly decrease nutritional value. The end result is a loss in nutrient quality, impairmeI of health of birds, reduction in performance and increased production cost.

The detrimental effects of oxidation can be minimized by adding antioxidants to rice polishing. Quality antioxidants interrupt the reaction and control subsequent losses in nutrient value. Antioxidant protect the quality of rice polishing and feed as formulated by the nutritionist to achieve maximum growth and feed efficiency.

An investigation was undertaken to study the comparative value of various antioxidants to minimize (Peroxide value, free fatty acid number) the effect of oxidation in rice polishing on the performance of broiler chicks. Six experimental rations viz, A, B, C, D, E and F were prepared for the said purpose. Ration A served as negative control (Fresh rice polishing without antioxidant), Ration B served as positive control (Rancid rice polishing without antioxidant). Ration C (Feedox) 125 gm/ton of rice polishing, Ration D Santoquin 500 gm/ton of rice polishing, Ration E Oxistat 125 gm/ton of rice polishing, Ration F Butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) @ 500 gm/ton of rice polishing.

One hundred and eighty, day old broiler chicks were randomly divided into six groups having thirty birds in each group and which were further subdivided into three replicates comprising of ten birds in each. The body weight, feed consumption and feed conversion ratio were recorded at the end of each week. Pancreas weight, dressing percentage, mortality percentage and comparative study of antioxidants were determined at the end of experiment. However, the peroxide value of rice polishing at fresh, rancid and on weekly basis was analyzed. The experiment lasts for six weeks.

The weight gain of the birds fed on various experimental rations A, B, C, D, E and F from 5-6 weeks of age were 645.0, 538.33, 655.33,709.17,663.33 and 643.0 gms respectively. Significantly more weight gain (709.17gm) was observed in the birds fed on ration D containing santoquin. Overall total weight gain of birds fed on experimental rations A to F were 1628.8, 1343.7, 1484.2, 1608.8, 1508.1 and 1471.1 gms respectively. However, the results revealed non-significant differences among weight gain of birds.

The results of feed consumption indicated that birds fed on different experimental rations A, B, C, D, E and F from 0-6 weeks of age were 3063.77, 3082.0, 3277.2, 3247.13, 3360.0 and 3223.33 gms respectively. However, apparently the birds fed on ration E containing Oxistat antixodant consumed more feed as compared to other rations.

The data on feed efficiency showed that birds fed on different experimental rations A, B, C, D, E and F from 5-6 weeks of age were 2.558, 2.756, 2.473, 2.334, 2.590 and 2.540 respectively. Significantly (P< 0.05) better feed utilization was observed in birds fed on ration D containing Santoquin as compared to chicks fed on ration E containing Oxistat and B containing rancid rice polishing, but there was no difference in the birds fed on ration E, A, F and C. However, the feed efficiency of birds from 0-6 weeks of age fed on experimental rations A to F were 1.969, 2.209, 2.122, 1.943, 2.133 and 2.191 respectively which revealed non-significant difference among the rations.
Present results revealed that weight of pancreas of birds fed on different experimental rations A, B, C, D, E and F from 0-6 weeks of age were 2.692, 3.735, 3.064, 2.89, 3.232 and 2.839 gms respectively. Significantly more weight of pancreas was observed in the birds fed o ration B containing rancid rice polishing. However, non-significant difference were noticed in the birds fed on other experimental rations.

The peroxide value in rice polishing at first and the end of 6th week of experiment of rations A, B, C, D, E and F 0.8, 61.2, 2.1, 1.4, 2.4 and 2.5, at 6th week 10.3, 80.7, 6.3, 3.3, 5.9 and 7.6 respectively.

It was concluded that Santoquin was the best antioxidant in controlling the oxidation process in rice polishing as compared to other antioxidants, i.e., Oxistat, Feedox and BHT used in the present experiment.


RECOMMENDATIONS
1. For further study various antioxidants with various levels and various sources of fat containing ingredients (rice polishing) at various levels of inclusion should be tested.

2. This type of study should be performed with fresh ingredients.

3. Different methods i.e. control of air, moisture, temp. Of storage period, light etc. should adopted to minimize the development of rancidity.

4. Storage duration of rice polishing should be at least six weeks.

5. Storage of feed should be at controlled environment.

6. Processing of rice polishing should be in such a way that lipase enzyme not become active.

7. Santoquin (Ethoxyquin) antoxidant proved to be best in controlling oxidation process in rice polishing i.e. peroxides formation than Feedox, Oxistat and BHT antioxidants.