Abstract
ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the thermal processing of pre-initial diets on performance, morphometry of the organs of the digestive system and nutrient digestibility in broiler chicks. The test sample consisted of 180 broiler chicks distributed in a completely randomized design, with two treatments, six replications of 15 birds each. The treatments consisted of pelleted feed (70°C) and extruded feed (150°C). The metabolism test was realized from 4 to 7 days of age, while the performance and morphometry of the organs of the digestive system were evaluated at 7 and 21 days of age. The data were submitted to analysis of variance. At seven days of age, chicks that consumed extruded feed had lower feed intake, less development of digestive tract organs, lower nitrogen absorption rate, dry matter, in addition to less metabolizable energy compared to pelleted feed. Likewise, at 21 days of age, chicks that consumed extruded pre-starter feed performed worse than pelleted feed. The conclusion is thus reached that feed extruded at 150 ° C for broiler chicks in the pre-initial phase, results in lower nutrient digestibility and an inferior development of the organs of the digestive system at 7 days of age and worse performance at 21 days.
Highlights
The pre-initial phase of a broiler chicken represents 20% of its productive life (Lamot et al, 2014) and as such this period requires special attention, as chick performance during the pre-initial phase has a profound influence on the end performance of the batch
Research has demonstrated that the development of secretory and absorptive functions in the digestive system depend on the presence of food in the intestinal lumen
According to Boemo et al (2016), the supply of thermally processed pre-initial feed can compensate the lower capacity of digestion in broiler chicks, in view of the improved metabolizable energy provided by thermal processing, over that of conventional mash feed
Summary
The pre-initial phase of a broiler chicken represents 20% of its productive life (Lamot et al, 2014) and as such this period requires special attention, as chick performance during the pre-initial phase has a profound influence on the end performance of the batch. According to Boemo et al (2016), the supply of thermally processed pre-initial feed can compensate the lower capacity of digestion in broiler chicks, in view of the improved metabolizable energy provided by thermal processing, over that of conventional mash feed. Thermal processing, such as pelletizing and extrusion, increase the availability of nutrients for digestion (Avazkhanloo et al, 2020). Information on the use of extruded feeds for broiler chicks is still limited, where there exist doubts as to whether the process of extrusion increases the metabolizable energy of the nutrients in the feed or improves the results for zootechnical performance. The objective behind this study is to evaluate the effect of thermal processing (extrusion and pelletization) of preinitial feed for broiler chicks on the metabolizing of nutrients, performance and morphometry of the organs of the digestive system
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
