Back P. Luanthaisong, S. Jaiyasit and J. Yaeram
Department of Animal Science, Rajamangala Institute of Technology, Kalasin Campus, Thailand
Abstract
EM (Effective Microorganisms) have been widely used in Thailand to protect the environment and increase the efficiency of farm practice. In animal farms, it has been reported that EM can effectively reduce farm odour. However, at present the effect of EM on production efficiency is not clear. The current experiment was, therefore, conducted to investigate the effect of EM on growth rate (ADG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) in ducks. F1 (Kaki Campbell X Native) male ducks were divided into 3 groups, and each group was randomly assigned to either of the 3 treatments: without EM (control), EM in feed and EM in drinking water. The result showed that feed conversion ratio (FCR) was significantly higher (P<0.01) in EM treated animals than the controls, the figures being 3.42, 3.01 and 3.22 in the control, EM-in-feed and EM-in-water groups, respectively. However, growth rate (ADG) was not significantly different between groups, i.e. 32.00, 32.21 and 31.50 g/d, respectively. This indicates that giving EM to ducks by adding to feed or drinking water improves their feed utilization. Furthermore, it was also observed that using EM resulted in the decrease in the odor in both the carcass and the farm.