Corn particle size variation effects on broiler performance, organ weights, and nutrient digestibility during the early growout period (day 1 to 21)
2023
K.M. Downs | J.P. Gulizia | G.R. Harder | E.K. Stafford | S.J. Sasia | W.J. Pacheco
SUMMARY: In poultry feed manufacturing, grinding of corn contributes significantly to feed cost. Efforts to reduce grinding demands while maintaining bird performance can prove economically beneficial. This research assessed varying corn particle size (CPS) in a broiler crumbled starter diet and its impact on performance, organ weights, and nutrient digestibility. Three dietary treatments, differing only in CPS (832, 1,432, or 2,036 μm) were fed to broilers from 1 to 21 d of age during 2 repeated studies. Most live performance parameters were not affected by varying CPS; however, increasing CPS worsened FCR. Likewise, in this research, CPS did not drastically alter organ weights other than proventriculus, with decreasing proventricular weight as CPS increased. Higher CPS also enhanced calcium digestibility. Within the CPS range in this research, there were only small effects on performance, organ weights, and nutrient digestibility.
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