Numerous scientific studies have proven the importance of pellet feed strength or PDI in broiler diets. The technology for pellet feed has been popular among poultry breeders since the 1930s, and it is produced and supplied in different shapes and sizes according to the growth stages of the bird. Pellet feed improves the performance parameters of broiler chickens due to the processing and proper granulation. This article was written to investigate the effects of pellet feed on poultry performance.
Advantages of pellet feed in broilers
In the poultry industry, feed is consumed in various forms such as mash, pellet, and crumble feed being popular among poultry breeders. Mash feed consists of well-ground and mixed ingredients to prevent birds from selective feeding, while pellet feed is a compressed form of mash feed produced in different dimensions and sizes according to the bird’s age. The goal of pelleting is to create feed resembling artificial seeds to minimize the bird’s selection power. This type of feed enhances broiler performance by improving palatability, digestibility, and feed consumption.
The pelleting process increases feed efficiency by increasing density and reducing dust. Processing poultry feed into pellets not only makes it easier to consume but also deactivates anti-nutritional compounds and enhances the digestibility of nutrients in the feed. By improving both the quantity and quality of feed, the digestive system’s integrity will be maintained.
The difference in the cost of pellet feed compared to mash feed
Pellet feed production incurs fixed and variable costs. These costs include fuel energy, electricity, labor, and depreciation, which are common across all pellet feed production facilities. The expenses related to depreciation and energy consumption can vary depending on the type of feed being produced. For instance, feed with a finer die typically results in higher costs in terms of energy consumption and depreciation compared to a coarser die.
However, the improvement of bird performance by consuming pellet feed will offset the higher cost of pellet feed production compared to mash feed.
Pellet feed makes energy consumption more precise
Due to the consistency and uniform access to nutrients, pellet feed increases the body weight of poultry and the uniformity of the flock. Research conducted in flocks fed with pellet feed shows a reduction in waste compared to the consumption of mash feed, and an increase in metabolizable energy intake of broilers by reducing the time of feed consumption. Additionally, pellet feed prevents the selective feeding by the bird.
On average, the feed consumption time for birds fed with pellet feed is about one third less than birds fed with mash feed. It is possible to increase the metabolic energy efficiency of feed consumption by 67% and direct the energy towards enhancing the bird’s performance, by reducing energy consumption during feed intake. In other words, the energy yield of 187 kcal/kg in a pellet diet is increased compared to mesh feed.
Storage of pellet feed in the broiler farms
The integrated form of pellet feed reduces the required storage space by about 15-18% compared to the individual storage of feed ingredients. Purchasing, transporting, quality assessment, financial transactions, and other activities related to the separate purchase of feed inputs require their own special management costs and focus.
In addition, the challenges of feed production in poultry farming include the need to prepare and maintain production equipment such as mills and mixers, as well as storage equipment like silo. Special attention is required for storing unique feed ingredients such as vitamins and enzymes, which can impact the costs associated with storage facilities. It is important to note that pellet feed is prepared based on precise formulations from manufacturing, aiming to minimize human error.
The role of pellet on feed consumption of broiler chickens
According to the results of many research studies, pellet feed, when compared to mash feed, leads to an increase in seed consumption. Poultry are naturally grain-fed and prioritize coarse feed particles. On average, research projects have shown a 27% increase in pellet feed consumption compared to mash feed. While recorded data indicate an increase in pellet feed consumption in broilers, a negative correlation has been reported between the increase in pellet feed consumption and metabolic ascites disease compared to mash feed. Flocks fed with pellet feed require proper management due to the increased metabolism of poultry bodies.
The effect of pellet feed on reducing the transmission of feed contamination
Feed processing results in the destruction of many pathogenic microbes of feed due to the temperature and humidity of the conditioner, leading to consuming high quality feed in the broilers. Nutritional strategies and reduction of feed pathogens can help control many gastrointestinal diseases affecting broilers. Preventing the entry of pathogens can reduced inflammation and erosion of intestinal epithelial tissues, thereby improving intestinal morphology.
Effect of pellet feed on nutrient digestibility
Feed processing enhances the digestibility of various nutrient compounds in feed ingredients. For instance, starch compounds found in cereals like corn and wheat, which are significant components of feed, undergo gelatinization during processing as a result of grinding and exposure to temperature, humidity, and pressure. This process allows to solvents and digestive enzymes to effectively break down the bonds between glycoside molecules, thereby increasing the digestibility of starch compounds. It is important to note that the temperature of the conditioner plays a crucial role in starch digestibility, as excessively high temperatures can lead to a decrease in starch digestibility due to chemical interactions.
Other feed compounds, such as protein sources, have temperature-sensitive structures, and their digestibility increases under the influence of processing conditions. However, excessive heat creates irreversible bonds in proteins, which reduces protein digestion in the digestive system.
Various results have been recorded on the effect of different pellet feed processing temperatures on poultry performance parameters. It can be concluded that the processing temperature has a significant impact on the digestibility of feed nutrients. Furthermore, in addition to the mentioned compounds, other feed micronutrients, such as vitamins and enzymes, also decrease in effectiveness with increasing processing temperature, resulting in reduced poultry performance.
The performance of amino acids such as cysteine, lysine, arginine, threonine, and serine in pellet feed decreases with increasing conditioner temperature due to their sensitivity. Based on the findings, processing feed at a temperature of 72°C will not impact the lysine content of the diet.
Effect of pellet feed on broiler conversion rate (FCR)
Various researchers have reported contradictory results regarding the performance of broiler chickens when fed pellet and mash feed worldwide. In general, broiler chickens fed pelleted feed exhibit better weight gain, feed consumption, and efficiency compared to those fed mash feed. In a study founded that a 10% improvement in pellet physical quality (PDI) resulted in a 0.4 unit improvement in the feed conversion factor. The findings in this regard encourage breeders to use pellet feed. The improvement in the efficiency of pellet feed in broilers is attributed to the increase in digestibility and feed energy during the processing stages. Additionally, due to the uniform access of broilers to nutrients, the uniformity percentage of the flock will increase, which, in turn, is effective in all performance indicators.
The effect of pellet feed on the development of the digestive system of broiler chickens
Access to nutrients is crucial, especially during the early stages of poultry is required for optimal growth performance and development of the digestive system. Pelleted feed is highly effective as it delivers the necessary nutrients and minimizes energy loss when consumed in the bird’s early life.
According to studies, increasing the size of feed particles leads to the development of gizzard in poultry. Gizzard acts as a strong defense barrier, preventing bacteria from entering to the digestive system. Different results in the development of the digestive system have been reported between these two types of feed (mash and pellets). However, the important point is the particle size of the inputs in various forms of feed. If the size of mill screen in mash is fine, the development of gizzard cannot be expected. Similarly, if the size of the pellet feed is small or the physical quality of the pellet feed (PDI) is low, bird gizzard will not develop.
Thermal processing of pellet feed increases the digestibility of feed ingredients, such as starch. It also increases the concentration of volatile fatty acids and decreases the acidity of the digestive system, thus it reduce the population of pathogenic bacteria.
A solution to improve the physical quality of pellet
Therefore, according to what has been said, the role of proper processing and pellet binder in the physical quality of feed, and consequently the performance of broiler chickens, is more important than the appearance of the pellet product. It is also effective in the product performance of a factory.
The Bind non-clay pellet binder product is a new generation of feed pellet binders. To learn more about its benefits, you can contact our technical experts through communication channels.
