Description
Researcher Story- Rice DDGS as a Cost-Effective Protein Source for Ruminants
Starting the Ph.D. Journey: After completing my Ph.D coursework at college of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat now Kamdhenu University, Gujarat, I had to submit the synopsis for my research work. For choosing a research problem for my Ph.D., my research guide gave me the freedom to select a topic, but he stated that he would finalize it only if he found the topic promising. He added that I should start the research only after his approval.
Exploring Research Topics: I began exploring various topics through national and international journals. I still remember a few topics I suggested to my guide, supported by recent literature reviews: conducting research on animal behavioral aspects, studying the use of limiting amino acids in ruminants for efficient protein utilization under field conditions and comparing vermicompost produced from different livestock species. However, none of these topics impressed my guide.
Finding the researchable Problem: Eventually, I came across the topic of Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (Rice DDGS). At that time, its cost was ₹23–27 per kg with protein content of 42–45%. In comparison, soybean meal (SoyDOC) with similar protein content was priced at ₹35 per kg (Yogi et al., 2017; Dey et al., 2019). We planned to study the performance of Rice DDGS in ruminants. Although this feed is extensively used in poultry diets, its effects on ruminant feeding are less researched. Furthermore, most long-term studies globally focus on maize DDGS rather than rice DDGS. In poultry, Rice DDGS partially replaces soybean meal, but it does not entirely substitute it, as SoyDOC yields better performance.
Laying the Groundwork: Literature Review: Before starting the research, a detailed literature review was essential to identify unexplored areas or new elements to include in the study
.
Preparing for the Experiment: After submitting my synopsis and obtaining approval, the primary task was to establish the required facilities, such as selecting the experimental animals, identifying the appropriate shed, procuring feed and other ingredients, arranging blood collection vials, and performing proximate analysis of feed ingredients. I also checked whether all machines were functioning correctly and identified where the concentrate mix would be prepared. These logistical aspects needed to be addressed first.
Challenges in Procuring Resources: Initially, I listed all the cattle at the farm to assess the availability of heifers, grouping them by weight and age. I submitted an indent for the required laboratory consumables. For procuring Rice DDGS, I contacted several suppliers, but many refused because supplying 5–7 tons for research was not profitable. Eventually, we decided to procure it directly from nearby distilleries using our institute’s vehicle. However, just as we finalized the procurement date, the lockdown was imposed. I had to wait two months until the lockdown was lifted. When it reopened, I went with a helper to procure the Rice DDGS.
Staying Back During the Lockdown: During the lockdown, I did not return home, unlike most Ph.D. students in our university. Staying back helped me start my research on time. Before beginning my study, I grouped the animals according to their age and weight. We prepared facilities for individual feeding to ensure each animal received the correct ration per the protocol and to monitor feed wastage.
Conducting the Trial: The important component of my feeding trial of rice DDGS on heifers were involved feed formulation, daily feed offered and leftover data of individual animals, fortnightly body weight measurement and body morphometry and blood collection, which made those days hectic. On blood collection days, after collecting samples, I performed hematological examinations and separated serum for biochemical analysis. I stored the serum in a deep freezer; I planned to conduct the biochemical tests at the end of the study. I kept records meticulously in a notebook, on my computer, and in my guide's computer to safeguard the data. My guide often said, "What if your data gets lost on the final day?" At the end of my feeding trial, I completed the hormonal and biochemical profiling of over 250 serum samples. I often worked late at night in the physiology laboratory, and I am grateful to my teachers for trusting me to handle the laboratory independently during those hours. The results were the most rewarding part of my research work.
Key Findings of the Study: The collected data were analyzed in the statistical department and yielded promising outcomes. Our findings indicated that feeding Rice DDGS in place of SoyDOC did not alter the normal blood chemistry, suggesting no adverse effects (Pandey et al., 2023b). Additionally, the cost of feeding was significantly reduced (Pandey et al., 2023a). The study demonstrated that replacing SoyDOC with Rice DDGS is both economical and effective in ruminants.
Reflections on the Research Journey: During the research, I frequently visited other divisions to use their facilities when equipment in our laboratory broke down. Research, in my view, is a thrilling journey where the path is known, but the obstacles are unforeseen. I firmly believe that discipline and patience are the most critical attributes for successful research.
Dr Manish Pandey
Division of Animal Science, Poultry & Fisheries
ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam, India, 787035
References
Dey D., Sharma B., Mohammad A., Mandal D. K., Bhakat C., Dutta T. K., Chatterjee A. (2019). Effect of feeding rice distillers dried grain with solubles as major protein source on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Jersey crossbred calves. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 54: 446-451.
Pandey, M., Shah, S. V., Wadhwani, K. N., Lunagariya, P. M., Islam, M. M., & Kalola, A. D. (2023a). Economics of Feeding Rice DDGS and Mixture of Wheat Straw and Groundnut Straw to Growing Crossbred Heifers. Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management, 39(2), 123-130.
Pandey, M., Shah, S. V., Wadhwani, K. N., Lunagariya, P. M., Islam, M. M., & Kalola, A. D. (2023b). Economics of Feeding Rice DDGS and Mixture of Wheat Straw and Groundnut Straw to Growing Crossbred Heifers. Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management, 39(2), 123-130.
Yogi R. K., Thakur S. S., Mohini M., Singh S. K., Malik, T. (2017). In vitro evaluation of concentrate mixtures containing incremental level of rice dried distillers grain with solubles replacing oil cakes in concentrate mixture. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 34: 163-168.
Starting the Ph.D. Journey: After completing my Ph.D coursework at college of Veterinary Science and Animal Husbandry, Anand, Anand Agricultural University, Gujarat now Kamdhenu University, Gujarat, I had to submit the synopsis for my research work. For choosing a research problem for my Ph.D., my research guide gave me the freedom to select a topic, but he stated that he would finalize it only if he found the topic promising. He added that I should start the research only after his approval.
Exploring Research Topics: I began exploring various topics through national and international journals. I still remember a few topics I suggested to my guide, supported by recent literature reviews: conducting research on animal behavioral aspects, studying the use of limiting amino acids in ruminants for efficient protein utilization under field conditions and comparing vermicompost produced from different livestock species. However, none of these topics impressed my guide.
Finding the researchable Problem: Eventually, I came across the topic of Rice Distillers Dried Grains with Soluble (Rice DDGS). At that time, its cost was ₹23–27 per kg with protein content of 42–45%. In comparison, soybean meal (SoyDOC) with similar protein content was priced at ₹35 per kg (Yogi et al., 2017; Dey et al., 2019). We planned to study the performance of Rice DDGS in ruminants. Although this feed is extensively used in poultry diets, its effects on ruminant feeding are less researched. Furthermore, most long-term studies globally focus on maize DDGS rather than rice DDGS. In poultry, Rice DDGS partially replaces soybean meal, but it does not entirely substitute it, as SoyDOC yields better performance.
Laying the Groundwork: Literature Review: Before starting the research, a detailed literature review was essential to identify unexplored areas or new elements to include in the study
.
Preparing for the Experiment: After submitting my synopsis and obtaining approval, the primary task was to establish the required facilities, such as selecting the experimental animals, identifying the appropriate shed, procuring feed and other ingredients, arranging blood collection vials, and performing proximate analysis of feed ingredients. I also checked whether all machines were functioning correctly and identified where the concentrate mix would be prepared. These logistical aspects needed to be addressed first.
Prep for Experiment
Challenges in Procuring Resources: Initially, I listed all the cattle at the farm to assess the availability of heifers, grouping them by weight and age. I submitted an indent for the required laboratory consumables. For procuring Rice DDGS, I contacted several suppliers, but many refused because supplying 5–7 tons for research was not profitable. Eventually, we decided to procure it directly from nearby distilleries using our institute’s vehicle. However, just as we finalized the procurement date, the lockdown was imposed. I had to wait two months until the lockdown was lifted. When it reopened, I went with a helper to procure the Rice DDGS.
Staying Back During the Lockdown: During the lockdown, I did not return home, unlike most Ph.D. students in our university. Staying back helped me start my research on time. Before beginning my study, I grouped the animals according to their age and weight. We prepared facilities for individual feeding to ensure each animal received the correct ration per the protocol and to monitor feed wastage.
Conducting the Trial: The important component of my feeding trial of rice DDGS on heifers were involved feed formulation, daily feed offered and leftover data of individual animals, fortnightly body weight measurement and body morphometry and blood collection, which made those days hectic. On blood collection days, after collecting samples, I performed hematological examinations and separated serum for biochemical analysis. I stored the serum in a deep freezer; I planned to conduct the biochemical tests at the end of the study. I kept records meticulously in a notebook, on my computer, and in my guide's computer to safeguard the data. My guide often said, "What if your data gets lost on the final day?" At the end of my feeding trial, I completed the hormonal and biochemical profiling of over 250 serum samples. I often worked late at night in the physiology laboratory, and I am grateful to my teachers for trusting me to handle the laboratory independently during those hours. The results were the most rewarding part of my research work.
Hormone Analysis
Key Findings of the Study: The collected data were analyzed in the statistical department and yielded promising outcomes. Our findings indicated that feeding Rice DDGS in place of SoyDOC did not alter the normal blood chemistry, suggesting no adverse effects (Pandey et al., 2023b). Additionally, the cost of feeding was significantly reduced (Pandey et al., 2023a). The study demonstrated that replacing SoyDOC with Rice DDGS is both economical and effective in ruminants.
Reflections on the Research Journey: During the research, I frequently visited other divisions to use their facilities when equipment in our laboratory broke down. Research, in my view, is a thrilling journey where the path is known, but the obstacles are unforeseen. I firmly believe that discipline and patience are the most critical attributes for successful research.
Dr Manish Pandey
Division of Animal Science, Poultry & Fisheries
ICAR- Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Dirpai Chapori, Gogamukh, Assam, India, 787035
References
Dey D., Sharma B., Mohammad A., Mandal D. K., Bhakat C., Dutta T. K., Chatterjee A. (2019). Effect of feeding rice distillers dried grain with solubles as major protein source on nutrient digestibility and growth performance of Jersey crossbred calves. Indian Journal of Animal Research, 54: 446-451.
Pandey, M., Shah, S. V., Wadhwani, K. N., Lunagariya, P. M., Islam, M. M., & Kalola, A. D. (2023a). Economics of Feeding Rice DDGS and Mixture of Wheat Straw and Groundnut Straw to Growing Crossbred Heifers. Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management, 39(2), 123-130.
Pandey, M., Shah, S. V., Wadhwani, K. N., Lunagariya, P. M., Islam, M. M., & Kalola, A. D. (2023b). Economics of Feeding Rice DDGS and Mixture of Wheat Straw and Groundnut Straw to Growing Crossbred Heifers. Indian Journal of Animal Production and Management, 39(2), 123-130.
Yogi R. K., Thakur S. S., Mohini M., Singh S. K., Malik, T. (2017). In vitro evaluation of concentrate mixtures containing incremental level of rice dried distillers grain with solubles replacing oil cakes in concentrate mixture. Indian Journal of Animal Nutrition. 34: 163-168.
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