Overview
DORB (De-Oiled Rice Bran) is the fibrous solid by-product obtained after Rice Bran Oil (RBO) has been solvent-extracted from raw rice bran. Because the extraction process removes almost all the oil, DORB is a dry, highly stable, and exceptionally cost-effective bulk material. It is widely used in feed mills across major rice-producing countries to manage formulation costs, primarily providing dietary fibre and plant-based protein rather than energy.
Applications
- Cost control & bulk filler — one of the least expensive raw materials; used as a filler or structural component to balance high-cost corn and soybean meal.
- Fibre source for ruminants — excellent for cattle, sheep, and goat feeds; rumen microbes ferment its complex carbohydrates into volatile fatty acids that drive milk and meat production.
- Moderate protein contribution — roughly 13%–16% crude protein supports lower-energy diets.
- Pelleting binder — natural hemicellulose and starch fractions absorb moisture during conditioning, improving pellet strength.
Nutritional Profile
| crudeProtein | 13%–16% — helps fulfil baseline protein requirements of lower-energy diets |
|---|
| crudeFibre | Target < 12%–14% (higher indicates rice-husk adulteration) |
|---|
| residualOil | Ether extract (crude fat) under 1.0%–1.5% |
|---|
Limitations & Usage Tips
- Bulk density & flowability — low bulk density and highly hygroscopic; notorious for bridging or rat-holing in silos. Requires vibratory bin activators, air cannons, or steep-coned hoppers.
- Abrasiveness — contains biogenic silica (sand), causing accelerated wear on conveyor flights, mixer paddles, and pellet dies.
- Anti-nutritional factors — phytate and trypsin inhibitors require enzyme supplementation (phytase) to counteract.
Recommended Inclusion Rates
| Ruminants (dairy & beef cattle) | 20%–40% — multi-chambered stomachs handle high fibre |
|---|
| Swine (pigs) | 5%–15% — mainly gestating sow diets for satiety |
|---|
| Poultry (broilers & layers) | Under 5%–8% — high fibre speeds gut transit; needs phytase |
|---|
Categories
Quality control checklist
- Crude fibre & silica — suppliers occasionally adulterate with cheap ground rice husks. Target: crude fibre < 12%–14%; total ash/silica strictly monitored.
- Moisture content — high moisture cakes the meal into hard blocks and invites mould. Target: strictly below 12.0%.
- Residual oil — inefficient solvent extraction raises rancidity risk. Target: ether extract under 1.0%–1.5%.