To determine nutritive value and suitability of deep-stacked broiler litter for deer, influence of supplementary levels of broiler litter on digestibility, dry matter intake, and nitrogen balance was investigated in male spotted deer (Cervus nippon) f...
To determine nutritive value and suitability of deep-stacked broiler litter for deer, influence of supplementary levels of broiler litter on digestibility, dry matter intake, and nitrogen balance was investigated in male spotted deer (Cervus nippon) fed a commercial mixed(complete) ration. The deep-stacked and ground broiler litter was supplemented at the level of 0%(Control). 15%(TI) and 30%(T2) on the basis of fresh matter to the mixed ration. All treatments had similar palatability at about 3% body weigh of dry matter intake. Dry matter digestibility was highest in Control and lowest in T2(P<0.05). Digestibility of crude protein was lowest(P<0.05) in T2. Dry matter and digestible dry matter intake was similar in all treatments. Daily body weight gain was not affected by treatments. Feeding 15 or 30% of broiler litter to male deer resulted in similar nitrogen intake. fecal nitrogen excretion and daily nitrogen retention(g/d), compared with feeding Control. These results suggest that up to 30% of broiler litter may be fed to male deer without deleterious effects on deer performance.