Influence of Feed Particle Size on the Performance, Energy Utilization, Digestive Tract Development, and Digesta Parameters of Broiler Starters Fed Wheat- and Corn-Based Diets

Abstract

The influence of particle size and grain type on the performance, AME(n), and on gross morphological and histological parameters of the various segments of the digestive tract of broilers fed wheat- or corn-based diets was investigated. The experimental design was a 2 x 2 factorial arrangement of treatments evaluating 2 particle sizes (fine and coarse) and 2 grain types (wheat and corn). The 2 particle sizes were achieved by grinding the whole grains in a hammer mill to pass through 1-mm and 7-mm screen sizes. Broiler starter diets, based on wheat- or corn-soybean meal, were formulated, pelleted, and each diet was offered to 6 cages of 8 male broilers each from d 1 to 21 posthatching. The results showed that the differences in particle size distribution still existed between diets after pelleting especially in the proportion of coarse particles (1 mm and over). In corn-based diets, coarse grinding improved (P = 0.06) weight gains compared with fine grinding, but this particle size effect was not observed in wheat-based diets. In both diets, coarse grinding lowered (P < 0.001) feed per gain of broilers compared with fine grinding. In wheat-based diets, coarse grinding improved (P = 0.06) AME(n) compared with fine grinding. Heavier (P < 0.05) gizzard weights were observed in birds fed the coarse corn-based diet, but particle size had no effect on the gizzard size in birds fed wheat-based diets. Villus height, crypt depth, and epithelial thickness in the duodenum were unaffected (P > 0.05) by particle size and grain type. Overall, the present results showed that the effect of feed particle size varies depending on grain type.

Improving Cassava Quality for Poultry Feeding Through Application of Biotechnology

“…However, wet or dry milling of dried roots had little effect on the composition [48]. While composition is not affected, particle size is a key factor that affects feeding and performance in broiler chickens [49,50]. However, it is worthy to note that a high yield of starch does not necessarily mean the starch would have the desired quality for any specific application [51].…”

Influence of particle size of the cereal of the diet on egg production, egg quality, and the development of the gastrointestinal tract of brown-egg laying hens

“…Similar differences between corn and wheat diets have been reported by Abdollahi et al (2013b) comparing mash and pelleted diets. In contrast, Amerah et al (2008) did not observe any difference in the relative weight of the gizzard at 21 d of age of broilers fed a corn or a wheat based diet, although the relative length (cm/kg BW) of the different segments of the GIT was shorter in birds fed wheat. Thomas and Ravindran (2008) reported similar relative weight of the GIT and the gizzard at 14 d of age in birds fed diets based on corn or wheat.…”

“…The improvements observed for BW gain and FCR were consistent with the greater FI and the reduction in feed wastage detected. Amerah et al (2008) reported higher ADFI and poorer efficiency in broilers from 1 to 21 d of age fed pelleted diets, based on fine corn or wheat (1-mm screen), than in those fed diets based on coarse corn or wheat (7-mm screen). Fine particles are retained for less time in the gizzard than coarse particles (Abdollahi et al, 2013a).…”

“…Parsons et al (2006) reported that at 42 d of age, broilers had heavier gizzards when fed mash diets based on corn with coarse particle size than when fed the same diet with fine particle size. Amerah et al (2008) reported that at 21 d of age, broilers had heavier gizzards when fed coarse corn (7-mm screen) than when fed fine corn (1-mm screen), but no difference between coarse and fine grinding was observed in birds fed wheat based diets. Also, fine grinding of the corn but not of the wheat, reduced the relative length of the different segments of the GIT.…”

“…Feed technology is of paramount importance in this respect (Amerah et al, 2007;Amerah et al, 2008;Frikha et al 2011). Type of cereal and particle size of the cereal used in diets have gained increasing attention from the poultry industrial in recent years.…”