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ARS Home » Southeast Area » Mississippi State, Mississippi » Poultry Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #166497
Title: GROWTH AND MEAT YIELD RESPONSES OF MALE BROILERS PROVIDED FEEDS SUBJECTED TO POST-GRINDING DURING A 41 DAY PRODUCTION PERIOD

Author
item DOZIER III, WILLIAM

Submitted to: Journal of Applied Poultry Research
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/25/2004
Publication Date: 5/15/2005
Citation: Dozier III, W.A. 2005. Growth and meat yield responses of male broilers provided feeds subjected to post-grinding during a 41 day production period. Journal of Applied Poultry Research. 14:476-482.

Interpretive Summary: Feed cost (ingredient and manufacturing) represent approximately 65% of the cost of live broiler chicken production. Feed pellet quality can adversely affect the growth and feed conversion of broilers. Particle size of corn and other feed components has a major impact on pellet integrity and the cost of grinding to reduce particle sizes (< 650 microns) increases feed manufacturing cost. Post-grinding technology, which includes cracking of corn and then subsequent grinding of all feed ingredients together, can potentially improve pellet quality and nutrient utilization of broilers. Results of this study determined that post-grinding improved pellet quality and feed conversion by 4 points, respectively, which translated to an annual savings of $648,000 per broiler complex that produces 1 million broilers per week.

Technical Abstract: Pellet quality is known to influence cumulative BW and feed conversion of meat birds. Particle size reduction of grain affects the integrity of pellets. This study evaluated the effects of post-grinding on pelleting parameters and live performance responses and processing yields of male broilers. Two treatments were employed: 1) control feed that was manufactured under standard procedures and 2) feed subjected to post-grinding prior to the conditioning /pelleting process. All feeds were manufactured in a commercial mill. Feed subjected to post-grinding had improved pellet durability index and more percent pellets than feed manufactured with conventional grinding. Broilers provided feed subjected to post-grinding consumed less feed, had improved feed conversion, but the amounts of carcass parts were similar between the treatments. Future research should determine if post-grinding is economically feasible based on improved live performance responses of broilers vs. energy usage incurred with operating post-grinders.