Effects Of Feed Form Research Articles

Effect of Feed Form and Phytobiotic Blend on Proximate Composition and pH of Rabbit Meat

Effect of Feed Form and Phytobiotic Blend on Proximate Composition and pH of Rabbit Meat

Performance of Broiler Chickens to Time Limited Feeding of Mash or Pellet Feed

The effect of feed form (FF) and time limited feeding on performance of broiler chickens was studied. 160 marshal strain of broiler were allocated in a 2 × 4 factorial experimental arrangement with two FF (mash and pellet) at four Time limited feeding (TLF) (24, 6, 4, and 2 hours). Data collected were analysed using a completely randomized design. Significant differences were obtained on feed intake (FI), weight gained (WG), final weight (FW), feed conversion ratio (FCR) and mortality (M). FI reduced (P<0.05) as TLF reduced. FI was influenced by FF, birds fed pellet diet having higher (P<0.05) FI compared to mash at each corresponding level of TLF. WG was lower (P<0.05) at all levels of TLF in broilers fed mash compared to ad libitum group. However, birds fed for 4 and 6 hours on pellet diet during feed limitation had similar (P>0.05) WG compared to their control group. FW at 8 weeks of age was lower in birds fed mash compared to pellet. FCR was influenced by FF and TLF with birds placed on pellet having a better FCR compared to those fed mash. Pellet fed birds recorded higher M compared to the mash fed birds particularly during the first week of life because the pellet size of 2mm was too big for their mouth size hence inability to feed properly, thereafter improvements were observed from week two. The study revealed a better performance and better benefit of feed limitation when birds are fed pellet diet compared to mash. Keywords: Broiler Chickens, Feed Forms, Growth Performance, Time Limited Feeding. DOI: 10.7176/JBAH/12-18-04 Publication date: September 30 th 2022

Effect of Feed Form on Body Conformation Traits of Different Hybrids of Broiler Chickens

This research was conducted to measure the exterior characteristics in four hybrids of broilers fed pelleted and commercial mash feed. A total of 112 one-day-old chicks from four broiler hybrids, namely, Arbor Acre, Cobb 500, Marshall, and Ross 308 were used for this experimentation and allocated into four treatments with 28 birds of each hybrid and were replicated four times with 7 birds per replicate in a 2 × 4 factorial experiment. Pelleted and milled (mash) commercial feed was used for this experiment. The feeding trial lasted at the age of 59 days old, and data on the conformation trait were recorded. The results of the conformation traits showed no significant difference ( P > 0.05 ) in any of the parameters measured. Most of the conformation traits examined were positive and strongly correlated with one another. Finally as a suggestion, further deep study needed to be conducted by considering different factors including an interaction effect of the main factors.

199 Effect of the Pelleting Process on Diet Formulations with Varying Levels of Crystalline Amino Acids and Reducing Sugars on Digestibility in Growing Pigs

Abstract The objective of this study was to determine effects of pelleting on the standardized ileal digestibility (SID) of amino acids (AA) in diets with or without increased concentrations of free AA and reducing sugars (RS). Eight individually housed, ileal cannulated barrows (initially 69.2 kg) were allotted to a replicated 8×8 Latin square with 8 diets and eight 7-d periods with ileal digesta collected on d 6 and 7. Treatments were arranged in a 2×2×2 factorial with main effects of diet form (mash vs. pellet), crystalline AA (low vs. high), or reducing sugars (low vs. high) provided by dried distillers grains with solubles and bakery meal. Diets were pelleted to achieve a hot pellet temperature of 85 to 88°C. Data were analyzed as a completely randomized Latin square using the GLIMMIX procedure of SAS. A feed form×RS interaction (P < 0.026) for SID of tryptophan was observed. Feeding pelleted low RS diets improved SID of tryptophan compared with mash high and low RS diets, and pelleted high RS diets. For main effects of feed form, the SID of total AA, CP, and indispensable AA increased (P < 0.042) in pigs fed pelleted diets compared with mash diets. For main effects of crystalline AA, pigs fed high crystalline AA had increased (P = 0.007) SID of tryptophan and decreased (P = 0.050) SID of histidine compared with those fed low crystalline AA diets. For main effects of RS diets, pigs fed high RS diets had decreased (P < 0.05) SID of total AA, CP and indispensable AA. In conclusion, pelleting diets with increased crystalline AA or RS did not affect the improvement in AA digestibility from pelleting. Pelleting diets improved AA digestibility. Diets formulated with high crystalline AA had increased SID of tryptophan. Formulating diets with high RS resulted in decreased AA digestibility compared with corn-soybean meal-based diets.

The Effect of Feed form and Probiotic Supplements on Performance, Blood Parameters and Immune Response of Broilers

The Effect of Feed form and Probiotic Supplements on Performance, Blood Parameters and Immune Response of Broilers

The effects of dietary calcium and phosphorus level, and feed form during rearing on growth performance, bone traits and egg production in brown egg-type pullets from 0 to 32 weeks of age

In a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement, effects of feed form (crumbles (CWS), mash (MWS), both with inclusion of 3% finely ground wheat straw, or crumbles with inclusion of 3% oat hulls (COH)), and dietary Ca and P (high and low Ca-P) from 0 to 16 wk of age were studied on growth performance, bone characteristics, and gizzard development of egg-type pullets. The cross-over effect of feeding strategy during rearing on laying performance and egg shell quality was studied from 19 to 32 wk of age. From 0 to 16 wk, ADG, ADFI, and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were improved with CWS and COH compared to MWS, but ADG and FCR were improved with MWS compared to CWS and COH from 11 to 16 wk. Uniformity of BW till 11 wk, and tibia breaking strength at 6 and 16 wk were higher with CWS and COH compared to MWS. Tibia ash content at 11 wk and relative empty proventriculus + gizzard weight (EPG) were lower with CWS and COH compared to MWS, also relative EPG at 11 and 16 wk was higher with COH compared to CWS. At 25 wk BW was lower with MWS compared to CWS and COH, but BW was equal for all treatments at 32 wk. The FCR for egg production was improved with COH compared to MWS. Egg shell parameters were not affected by feed form during rearing. Low Ca-P decreased BW uniformity at 6 wk, relative keel bone weight and ash content at 11 wk, tibia ash content at 11 and 16 wk, increased relative EPG at 6 wk, and improved egg shell quality at 32 wk of age. It was concluded that feeding CWS and COH compared to MWS increased growth performance, but had no clear cross-over effect on egg production. Low dietary Ca-P led to a lower bone mineralization during rearing, nevertheless improved egg shell quality at 32 wk.

Effect of feed form and heat processing on the growth performance of growing and finishing pigs

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of different feed processing methods (pelleting and/or expansion) and feed physical form on the growth performance of growing-finishing pigs submitted to quantitative feed control. Commercial hybrid boars (n=200), with 22 kg initial body weight were distributed in a randomized complete block design with 5 treatments and 8 replicate pens of 5 pigs each. Treatments consisted of a mash feed, pelleted feed, expanded-pelleted feed, expanded-mash feed, and mash feed with previously expanded corn and soybean meal. Daily feed intake, average body weight, average daily gain, and feed conversion ratio were calculated at 63, 98, 128, 157, and 185 d. Data were submitted to analysis of variance, and when significant, treatment means were compared by orthogonal contrasts. No differences were detected for daily feed intake. However, from 63 to 128 d, the pigs fed processed diets showed improvements (P

Effects of feed form and particle size on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health in growing-finishing pigs

ObjectiveThis study was conducted to evaluate the effects of feed processing and particle size on growth performance, nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health in growing-finishing pigs.MethodsA total of 360 growing pigs (22.64±0.014 kg initial body weight [BW]) were allocated to 1 of 6 treatments with 6 replicates by BW and sex, and 10 pigs were housed in one pen in a randomized complete block design. The BW and feed intake were recorded to calculate growth performance. For the digestibility trial, a total of 24 barrows with an initial BW of 33.65±0.372 kg were split into 6 treatments with a completely randomized design. Dietary treatments were designed by a 2×3 factorial arrangement of treatments based on two main factors, particle size (600, 750, 900 μm) and feed form (mash and pellet) of diet. Experimental diets were formulated to contain the requirements of the NRC (2012).ResultsThe BW and average daily gain were not changed by dietary treatments, and the feed intake of finishing pigs (wks 6 to 12) was increased when the pigs were fed a mash diet (p<0.05). For the overall period, the feed efficiency of pigs was improved with the pellet diet (p<0.01) and reduced particle size (p<0.05). The pellet diet had effects on increasing crude fat digestibility (p<0.01) relative to a mash diet, but there was no considerable change in dry matter and crude protein digestibilities by dietary treatments. In the evaluation of gastric health, a trend for an increased incidence of keratinization in the esophageal region was observed as particle size decreased (p = 0.07).ConclusionFeed efficiency could be improved by pellet diet and reduced particle size. Nutrient digestibility, carcass characteristics, and gastric health were not affected by feed form, and particle size ranged from 600 to 900 μm.

Effects of Feed Form and Amino Acid Density on Productive and Processing Performance of Broilers

Limitations in beak size of newly hatched chicks have led the majority of broiler integrators in the United States to feed crumbles during the starter period. Previous research has reported improved growth performance on birds fed micro pellets during the starter period. However, research evaluating the effects of feeding micro pellets in the grower and finisher periods of broilers is sparse. Two experiments were conducted to determine the effects of feeding varying feed forms on growth performance and carcass characteristics of broilers during the starter, grower and finisher periods. In experiment 1, birds were fed diets with 3 feed forms: mash, crumbles, and 3.3 mm micro pellets during the starter period from 1 to 14 d (25 birds/pen; 8 replicate pens/treatment). In experiment 2, a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement of 3 feed forms (mash, 4.4 mm pellets, and 3.3 mm micro pellets) and 2 amino acid (AA) densities (88% and 96% of Aviagen recommendations Ross® 708 2014) were provided from 1 to 42 d (24 birds/pen; 7 replicate pens/treatment). In both experiments, birds fed 3.3 mm micro pellets during the starter period had lower feed conversion ratio compared with those that received mash and crumbles from 1 to 14 d (P< 0.05). In experiment 2, birds fed diets with 96% of AA recommendations had higher body weight, carcass yield, carcass and breast meat weight, and lower FCR than birds fed diets with 88% (P< 0.05). These data indicated that broilers can be fed 3.3 mm micro pellets during the starter and/or during the whole production period of broilers.

Effects of feed form and energy levels on growth performance, carcass yield and nutrient digestibility in broilers

Feed form is well recognized to improve broiler performance, specially by increasing feed intake (FI). However, when different diet energy levels are used, the results differ in the literature. Therefore, this experiment was conducted to evaluate the influence of feed form and dietary metabolizable energy (ME) levels on broiler performance, carcass yield and on the digestibility of DM, CP, starch and gross energy. In total, 1152 male Cobb 500 broilers were evaluated between 35 and 47 days. The birds were distributed according to a completely randomized design in a 2 × 4 factorial arrangement, consisting of two feed forms (mash or pellet) and four ME levels (12.73, 13.06, 13.40 or 13.73 MJ/kg), totaling eight treatments with eight replicates of 18 birds. Broilers fed the lowest ME level presented the lowest weight gain (WG) and worst feed per unit gain (P < 0.01). Metabolizable energy intake increased (P < 0.01) with progressive increments of ME, which, however, did not affect caloric conversion (CC, P > 0.05). Pelleted diets promoted higher FI, WG, ME intake (P < 0.01) and better feed per unit gain and CC (P < 0.05) compared with mash. In mash diets, increasing dietary ME levels promoted a linear increase in WG (P < 0.01) and reduced feed per unit gain (P ≤ 0.05), but did not affect FI (P > 0.05). In pelleted diets, on the other hand, increasing ME levels linearly reduced FI (P < 0.05) and feed per unit gain (P < 0.01). Broilers fed pelleted diets presented higher abdominal fat deposition than those fed mash (P < 0.05). Increasing ME levels reduced the coefficients of ileal apparent digestibility of DM (P < 0.01) and total starch (P < 0.05) but did not affect the digestibility of other evaluated nutrients. The digestibility of all nutrients was lower when pelleted diets were fed compared with mash. Increasing inert material inclusion in the diets at the expense of soybean oil to reduce dietary ME levels promoted higher pellet durability index values (P < 0.05) and the percentage of fines (P < 0.01). Overall, the results suggest that pelleted diets promote better broiler performance because they increase FI, since the digestibility of dietary fractions is reduced. Chickens consuming low-energy pelleted diets may increase FI to compensate for energy deficit. In contrast, broilers fed mash diets may have reached their maximum intake capacity and did not regulate FI by changing feed energy density. When feeding pelleted diets, dietary energy reduction should be considered to reduce feed costs and to improve the carcass quality of broilers.

Effects of feed form on small intestine histomorphology of broilers

This experiment was conducted to study the effects of different feed forms on small intestine histomorphology of broiler chicken at 35 days of age. A total of 72 unsexed New-Lohman broiler chicks was placed into three treatments with three replications of 8 chicks. Feed treatments were given in two phases: 0-21 days and 22-35 days. The treatments group consisted of T1 (0-21 days: mash form, 22-35 days: mash form, defined as mash: mash), T2 and T3 were crumble:crumble and crumble: pellet form, respectively. Parameters evaluated were small intestine (duodenum, jejunum, and ileum) histomorphology (villus height, villus width, crypt depth, and villus height to crypt depth ratio), as well as their weight (g) and length (cm). Data were analyzed using analysis of variance followed by Duncan’s Multiple Range Test. Villus height, crypt depth, and villus height to crypt depth ratio in the duodenum and jejunum of T1 were lower than T2 and T3. The length and weight of duodenum and jejunum of T2 and T3 were higher than T1. It can be concluded that broilers fed by crumble: crumble and crumble: pellet form could improve the development of small intestine as well as its histomorphology.

Insoluble fiber sources in mash or pellets diets for young broilers. 2. Effects on gastrointestinal tract development and nutrient digestibility

The effects of feed form and dietary fiber on the development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) and nutrient digestibility were studied in broilers at 8 and 21 d of age. The experiment included 14 treatments arranged as a 2 × 7 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. pellet) and 7 diets that consisted in a low fiber diet and 6 extra diets resulting from the combination of 3 insoluble fiber sources [oat hulls (OH), rice hulls, and sunflower hulls] and 2 levels of inclusion (2.5 and 5.0%). Pelleting decreased the relative weight (% BW) of the full GIT, and empty gizzard (P < 0.001) and the relative length (cm/kg empty BW) of the small intestine and ceca (P < 0.001) and increased full crop (P < 0.001) and liver (P < 0.05) weights. Fiber inclusion increased the empty weight and the fresh digesta content of the gizzard (P < 0.001) but had limited and inconsistent effects on the weight of the full GIT or the length of the small intestine and ceca. Gizzard pH decreased with mash feeding and fiber inclusion (P < 0.001). Pelleting decreased ether extract retention (P < 0.05) but did not affect N retention or AMEn of the diets. Fiber inclusion improved nutrient retention (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) with more pronounced effects with OH than with sunflower hulls or rice hulls inclusion. The AMEn of the diets increased (P < 0.05) with 2.5% of fiber inclusion but no extra benefits were obtained with a further increase to 5.0%. Starch ileal digestibility increased with mash feeding (P < 0.001) and fiber supplementation (P < 0.05). In summary, pelleting increases full crop weight and gizzard pH and decreased full gizzard weight and starch ileal digestibility. Moderate amounts of insoluble fiber, especially OH, increases gizzard weight, reduces gizzard pH, and improves nutrient digestibility in young broilers.

Effect of feed form and dietary protein level on growth performance and carcass characteristics of growing geese

The present study aimed to investigate the influence of feed form and the level of dietary crude protein (CP) on the growth performance and carcass traits of growing geese. A total of 180 Egyptian geese (1 wk old) were randomly divided into 9 groups (20 chicks per group). Each group was subdivided into five replicates, with 4 birds per replicate. A 3 × 3 factorial experiment was performed with 3 types of diets (pellets, crumble, and mash) and 3 levels of dietary CP (22%, 20%, and 18% during the starter period and 20%, 18%, and 16% during the finisher period). The type of feed had significant (P ≤ 0.05) effects on body weight, body weight gain (ADG), the feed conversion ratio (FCR), and the protein efficiency ratio (PER) during all experimental periods, except ADG and PER from the 8th to 12th week. Dietary CP levels had significant effects on feed consumption (FC), FCR, and PER (p < 0.05 or 0.01) except from the 1st to 7th week for FC, 8th to 12th week for FCR, and 1st to 7th week for PER. Carcass, liver, heart, dressing, and wings (%) were found to be significantly (P < 0.01) improved in geese fed pellets compared to geese fed other types of diets. Birds fed a high-CP diet featured the highest (P < 0.05) values for liver, gizzard, heart, and giblets compared to the other groups at 12 wk of age. In conclusion, the present findings show that pellet and crumble feed are better than mash feed for promoting the growth of growing geese from the 1st to 12th week of age. The optimal dietary CP requirements for growing geese from the 1st to 7th and 8th to 12th weeks of age are 18% and 16%, respectively.

The Effect of Feed Form on Diet Digestibility and Cecal Parameters in Rabbits.

Simple SummaryIn addition to hay or forage in the diet pet rabbits are commonly fed a supplementary food as a muesli (granular mix), pellets, or extruded croquettes. This study aimed to determine if form of this supplementary diet (pelleted vs. extruded) or composition (muesli) had an effect on the diets total tract digestibility and cecal fermentation patterns. Rabbits had slightly higher intake when fed extruded and pelleted diets compared to muesli. Digestibility results were inconsistent between estimation methods. The extruded diet was more digestible than pelleted according to the total collection digestibility method, but according to internal marker acid insoluble ash the pelleted diet was the most digestible. Both the extruded and pelleted diet had similar fermentation patterns, with lower cecal pH and greater proportions of butyrate. Our findings suggest that diet composition, rather than form, may have a greater impact on nutrient utilization by rabbits.Fifteen New Zealand rabbits were randomly assigned to one of 3 dietary treatment groups of 5 animals each and fed pelleted, extruded, or muesli diets in a completely randomized design experiment. Rabbits were placed in individual cages with ad libitum access to water and food for 45 days acclimation followed by 30 days experimental period. Feed intake of rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets was greater (p < 0.05) than rabbits fed the muesli diet (125.6 and 130.4 vs. 91.9 g/d), but weight change and feed efficiency were not affected by treatment. Diet digestibility among the treatments was inconsistent when comparing results obtained from total fecal collection and AIA (please define) as an internal marker. Rabbits fed extruded and pelleted diets had lower (p < 0.05) cecal pH (6.42 and 6.38 vs. 7.02, respectively), and higher (p < 0.05) production of SCFA (18.5 and 19.0 vs. 11.7 mM, respectively) than those fed muesli. The fermentation products from rabbits fed pelleted and extruded diets had a greater proportion of butyrate and less propionate than rabbits fed muesli. The results of this study indicate that the basal dietary composition had a greater impact on diet utilization and cecal fermentation than food form.

Which is the best alternative for ascites syndrome prevention in broiler chickens? Effect of feed form and rearing temperature conditions

ABSTRACTAscites syndrome (AS) is a metabolic disorder in fast-growing broilers that is characterized by non-tumult fluid collection in the abdomen. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of variable feeding and rearing temperature on AS occurrence in broilers. A total of 360 one-day-old male Ross-308 chicks were assigned to three equal groups (n = 120) fed pellet, crumble or mash diets and within each group, half of birds (n = 60, starting from the 22nd day of age) were reared under two different temperatures: at 23°C (comfort) or at 14°C (cold), respectively. There were six treatments and four replicates including 15 broilers per replicate per treatment. Birds’ growth performances and blood parameters as well the incidence of ascites were assessed. The haematocrit percentage, T3 and T4 hormones activity in pellet-fed group under cold temperature conditions were significantly higher (P < .05) than the other groups. Based on the results, the occurrence of AS under mash-fed regime was less than pellet and crumble dietary groups (P > .05). Further, feeding of mash diet reduced broilers’ feed consumption per unit of time, especially by level of achieving energy that is reducing the growth and AS.

0424 The effect of feed form on diet digestibility and cecal fermentation in rabbits

0424 The effect of feed form on diet digestibility and cecal fermentation in rabbits

Effects of feed form and xylanase supplementation on performance and ileal nutrients digestibility of heat-stressed broilers fed wheat–soybean diet

ABSTRACTThe objective of this experiment was to evaluate the effects of xylanase and feed form on the performance, ileal nutrient digestibility, the gastrointestinal tract measurements, jejunal viscosity, and intestinal morphology of heat-challenged broilers fed wheat-based diets. The experiment was conducted as a 3 × 2 factorial arrangement with three feed forms (mash, crumbles, and pellets) and two levels of xylanase (without or with 300 mg/kg). Broilers fed mash had lower average daily feed intake, average daily gain (ADG), carcass weight, carcass yield, abdominal fat percentage, ileal digestibility values of apparent metabolizable energy corrected to zero nitrogen retention (AMEn) and crude protein (CP), villus length, and villus length:crypt depth ratio in the jejunum segment than broilers fed crumbles or pellets. The digestive tract development and crypt depth in the jejunum were lower (P < .001) for broilers fed crumbles or pellets than for broilers fed mash. Xylanse significantly increased ADG and ileal digestibility of AMEn, CP, and Ca, but decreased the viscosity of digesta in the jejunum segment. It was concluded that feeding crumbled and pelleted diets may offer a suitable nutritional strategy to improved productive performance in broilers reared under high ambient temperatures.

Inclusion of insoluble fiber sources in mash or pellet diets for young broilers. 1. Effects on growth performance and water intake

The effects of feed form and the inclusion of insoluble fiber in the diet on growth performance and water intake were studied in female broilers from 0 to 21 d of age. The experimental design was completely randomized with 14 treatments arranged as a 2 × 7 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. pelleted) and 7 diets that consisted of a control diet low in fiber (1.6% crude fiber) based on broken rice, fermented soybean meal, and fish meal and 6 extra diets that resulted from the inclusion of 3 insoluble fiber sources (oat hulls; OH, rice hulls; RH, and sunflower hulls; SFH) at 2 levels (2.5 vs. 5%). Each treatment was replicated 6 times. Broilers fed pellets had 32% greater ADG and 3% better feed to gain ratio (F:G) than those fed mash (P ≤ 0.001). The inclusion of the fiber sources improved ADG (P ≤ 0.05) and F:G (P ≤ 0.05). Pelleting increased (P ≤ 0.001) water intake from 6 to 8 d, water-to-feed intake ratio from 18 to 20 d, and moisture content of the excreta at 20 d of age. The inclusion of the insoluble fiber sources increased water intake (P ≤ 0.05) from d 18 to 20 but not from d 6 to 8. Increasing the level of fiber inclusion from 2.5 to 5.0% tended to increase (P = 0.086) moisture content in the excreta at d 20. Pelleting and the inclusion of insoluble fiber sources improved ADG and F:G in broilers fed low-fiber diets, and the improvements observed were more pronounced with pellets than with mash. Growth performance of young broilers improves with the addition of moderate amounts of structural insoluble fiber in the diet, regardless of feed form. The inclusion of OH or SFH into low fiber diets was more beneficial for improving broiler performance than the inclusion of RH.

Effects of feed form and dietary coarse ground corn on broiler live performance, body weight uniformity, relative gizzard weight, excreta nitrogen, and particle size preference behaviors

In this 14-d cage study, the effects of feed form (mash and crumble) and 6 coarse ground corn (CC) inclusions [0, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50% CC that replaced fine corn (FC)] on broiler live performance, BW uniformity, gizzard weight, excreta nitrogen, and particle size preference were investigated. The geometric mean diameter by mass (dgw) of mash diets increased from 422 μm to 431, 471, 509, 542, and 640 μm, respectively, as the percentage of CC increased. Feed intake and BW were decreased by CC and mash at 7 d. Interactions between feed form and CC were observed for feed conversion ratio (FCR) at 7 d of age (P < 0.01), and feed intake (P < 0.05), BW (P < 0.01), and gizzard weight (P < 0.01) at 14 d of age. Feed intake for all CC inclusions in crumble diets was similar and exceeded (P < 0.01) that of mash diets at 14 d. Among mash diets, the 10 and 30% CC feed intake was greater (P < 0.05) than 40 and 50% CC with 0 and 20% CC intermediate. Crumble diets produced a similar BW but greater 14-d BW than mash diets (P < 0.01). Within mash diets, 40 and 50% CC produced a smaller BW (P < 0.01). The FCR at 7 d of CC inclusions in crumble diets was improved (P < 0.01) versus the same CC in mash diets. Within mash diets, 40% CC performed poorer than 0, 10, 20, and 30% CC diets with 50% CC diet intermediate (P < 0.01). Crumble diets improved FCR at 14 d, but CC worsened FCR. Gizzard weight at 14 d was not affected by CC in crumble diets, while it increased with CC in mash diets (P < 0.01). Excreta nitrogen was increased (P < 0.01) by crumble diets. These data demonstrated that pelleting and crumbling reduced the impact of CC, produced a more consistent feed intake, and reduced selective feeding, and that CC stimulated gizzard weight in a linear manner in mash diets.

Effect of feed form, pellet diameter and enzymes supplementation on carcass characteristics, meat quality, blood plasma constituents and stress indicators of broilers

Abstract. Four hundred-twenty broilers were used in a factorial design (4×3) in which four feed forms (mash vs. pellet diet with diameter of 2 mm, 3 mm and 3.5 mm, respectively) and three enzymes treatments (unsupplemented, phytase, phytase+multi-enzyme) were used. Each treatment was replicated five times (7 broiler/replicate). Feed form had no effects on most of carcass traits and physical characteristics of meat, but pellet diets decreased the relative weight of gizzard and caecum length. Feeding 3.5 mm pellet diets increased abdominal fat compared to that of broilers fed mash diets. Pellet with 3 mm diameter increased and decreased respectively meat fat and moisture. Pellets with 3.5 mm diameter increased meat ash compared to broilers fed mash diet. Levels of plasma glucose and alanine aminotransferase of broilers fed 2 mm pellet, cholesterol of broilers fed 3 mm pellet and albumin/globulin ratio, monocytes and red blood cells of broilers fed 3.5 mm pellet were significantly higher than those of broilers fed mash diet. Haemoglobin, phagocytic activity, heterophils and heterophils/lymphocyte ratio were higher in groups fed mash diets and 2 mm pellet. Packed cell volume and phagocytic index were the highest in group fed mash diets. Phytase or multi-enzyme+phytase increased carcass yield, total edible parts and decreased inedible parts compared to broilers fed diet without enzyme supplementation. Enzyme supplementations significantly and similarly increased plasma glucose, total protein, triglycerides, red blood cells and phagocytic activity and decreased phagocytic index in comparison to the control group. However, phytase alone decreased cholesterol and increased monocytes by contrast with the control group. Multi-enzymes+phytase induced greater effect on white blood cells than phytase alone.