Particulating broiler feeds into forms and sizes for nutritional and economic benefits (part 1)

A study was conducted to examine the nutritional and economic effects of using mash, crumbs and pellet diets for broiler starter birds using Arbor Acre broilers chickens. The study examines the starter phase (0-28 days) of 288 Arbor Acre broiler chickens fed mash, 2 mm pellet size diet and feed crumbs. All diets had identical nutrients composition and the study was conducted under similar environmental conditions and management practices. Data on growth performance, nitrogen utilization, carcass and visceral organs characteristics, hematology and serum biochemistry were collected and evaluated. Economic analyses were also conducted. Early growth performances were more evidently manifested (P<0.05) in chicks fed 2 mm pellet diets where the weight gain was highest at 46.93±4.19 g/bird/day and the feed conversion ratio (FCR) was also lowest for the same set of birds at 1.85±0.14. Most other examined organs and carcasses indicated better and significant values for chicks on 2 mm pellet diet. These diets also enhanced most carcass and organs characteristics. Hematological and blood biochemistry indices were not adversely affected. There was an overall better net return per bird for birds on 2 mm diets in broiler starter.    Key words: Pellet feeds, Arbor Acre, performance, biometry.