DETERMINATION OF OPTIMAL FEED PARTICLE SIZE FOR BROILERS

• Sponsoring Institution: National Institute of Food and Agriculture
• Project Status: COMPLETE
• Funding Source: HATCH
• Reporting Frequency: Annual
• Accession No.: 1018406
• Project Start Date: Jan 1, 2019
• Project End Date: Dec 31, 2023
• Program Code: [(N/A)]- (N/A)

Recipient Organization
MISSISSIPPI STATE UNIV
(N/A)
MISSISSIPPI STATE,MS 39762

Performing Department
Poultry Science

Non Technical Summary
Due to the world population continuing to rise at unprecedented levels each year, more efficient production of food is essential to continue to meet our demands in the upcoming years. One promising solution is poultry, specifically broiler chickens, due to their highly efficient conversion of feed to consumable protein in comparison to other production animals. This improvement in feed efficiency has resulted in a cheap, healthy protein source making poultry the most consumed animal protein in the U.S. and the 2nd most in the world. Poultry plays a vital role to the economy of Mississippi, as it is the top agricultural commodity for the state. Mississippi's poultry production is also vital to the U.S., with it being ranked as the 5th state in the U.S. for broiler production. Feed and feed manufacture costs represent 60-70% of total production costs for a commercial integrator, making the utilization of feed an important area of research. Within this topic, feed processing and the effect of feed quality on broiler performance are of high interest; but few universities have researchers specializing in this area. Previous research has demonstrated an improvement in broiler performance as a result of receiving pelleted diets, with improvements being more dramatic as feed quality improved (i.e. more intact pellets). However, commercial integrators remain hesitant to invest in feed quality due to the associated cost and concerns with achieving feed throughput objectives for their operation. Therefore, investments in feed quality during earlier stages of life (<28 d) may be justified due to lower feed volume demands, as broiler chickens consume relatively low volumes of feed early during this early phase in life. Research within our laboratory identified that feed presented during the starter growth phase (0-14 d) impacted overall broiler performance (0-46 d) and processing characteristics. These findings warranted further research on feed quality presented during the starter growth phase. Two experiments were conducted and demonstrated that starter performance increased as feed quality improved (average feed particle size of 2800 µm and larger). However, these broiler chicks were only grown for the starter growth phase, resulting in lack of knowledge if these improvements translate to improved overall performance and processing characteristics. Therefore, the current research proposes to conduct a series of experiments to first determine the optimal starter feed particle size based on bird performance, as well as carryover performance and processing. Once the optimal starter particle size is determined, the subsequent feeding phases (grower, finisher 1, finisher 2 and withdraw) will be studied to determine the optimal feed quality for their respective phases. Data obtained from this research have potential to directly impact the poultry industry in Mississippi, as well as poultry producers (and ultimately consumers) throughout the country.

Animal Health Component

85%

Research Effort Categories

Basic

15%

Applied

85%

Developmental

0%

Classification

Knowledge Area (KA)	Subject of Investigation (SOI)	Field of Science (FOS)	Percent
302	3220	1010	50%
307	3220	1010	50%

Knowledge Area
302 - Nutrient Utilization in Animals; 307 - Animal Management Systems;

Subject Of Investigation
3220 - Meat-type chicken, live animal;

Field Of Science
1010 - Nutrition and metabolism;

Keywords

feed quality

broilers

chicken

feed manufacture

feed particle size

broiler performance

economics

Goals / Objectives
Determination of the broiler chicken optimal feed particle size and/or FF for each phasePreference of feed particle sizeConsideration of genetic strain differences and responseDetermination of optimal feed particle size and/or FF from a particular phase on overall broiler performance and processingConsideration of potential economic implicationsDetermination of feed particle size and/or FF effects for each phase on the broiler chicken's gastrointestinal tract morphometry

Project Methods
When possible, experimental conditions will mimic industry management strategies, diet formulations, and feed manufacture techniques. Measured variables will be analyzed as a randomized complete block design with appropriate replications per treatment. All data will be statistically analyzed using the GLM procedure of Statistical Analysis System (SAS Institute, 2016). Also, linear, quadratic, and cubic regression analyses will be performed for each live performance metric using treatment means. Additionally, significant treatment effects for gastrointestinal measurement variables will be further analyzed utilizing the correlation procedures (PROC CORR) in SAS to examine relationships relative to BW, BW gain, FI and FCR.All diets will be nutritionally common. For Starter and Grower experiments, two feed forms, crumbles and intact pellets (IP), will be manufactured at a commercial feed mill. Modifications will be performed to a portion of these FF at Mississippi State University in order to create a range of feed qualities for both FF. Feed will then be classified by hand sieving a stack of eight sieves (4,000; 3,350; 2,800; 2,360; 2,000; 1,700; 1,400; and 1,180 µm) on top of a collection pan. Remaining feed on each sieve will be retained according to size for treatment delineation. For the finisher 1 and 2 phases, as well as the WD phase of the experiment, only IP will be created at the commercial feed mill; once again, modifications will be performed at Mississippi State University in order to create IP varying in FF.Straight run chicks for each genetic strain ("fast-growing" or "high yielding") will be obtained from two commercial hatcheries from a similar breeder flock age (36-38 weeks) and randomly allocated to one of 108 pens located at Mississippi State University Poultry Research Unit. Performance variables measured include: feed intake/bird (FI), body weight gain/bird (BWG), ending BW, mortality corrected FCR, percent mortality, and when individual BW are obtained, pen CV of ending BW.Gastrointestinal morphology measurements will be obtained from a randomly selected bird per pen at time points mentioned below (at least 8 replications/treatment). Broilers will be euthanized via CO2 asphyxiation, individually weighed, and respective organs excised. Variables measured include duodenum, jejunum, and ileum length, as well as the weights of the gizzard, proventriculus, pancreas, duodenum, jejunum, and ileum for determination of relative organ weight (relative to broiler BW). The pH of the gizzard and duodenum contents will be determined utilizing a pH probe, prior to removal of the digesta for weighing of organs to occur. During the optimal starter particle size experiments, crop fill will be recorded on d 3 and 5. Additionally, percent crop fill will be conducted on all birds in the pen (yes or no, without euthanasia).Starter Phase (d 0-18): 2-3 ExperimentsExperiment 1 - Treatments Consist of Providing Several Sizes of Sieved FeedObservation pens included for monitoring of selection of feed particle*Experiment 2 - Treatments Consist of Providing Additional Sizes of Sieved Feed;Observation pens included for monitoring of selection of feed particle*Experiment 3 (if needed) - Repeating Experiment 2 with variation in Treatments from that utilized in Experiments 1 and 2Individual chicks will be wing-banded and weighed individually during the starter growth phase (d 3, 5, 7, 10, 14 and 18). Gastrointestinal morphology will be determined on d 3, 5, 7, 10, 14, and 18 by randomly selecting one bird per pen. Following the starter growth phase, birds will be individually weighed at the end of each growth phase (d 28, 42, 56, and 62). Following the termination of the performance trial (d 62), two broilers of each sex per pen were randomly chosen for determination of d 63 processing characteristics.Common methodology for the following experiments: Individual chicks will be wing banded on d of hatch and the optimal starter phase particle size determined will serve as the pretest until the experimental period begins for each corresponding Experiment. Following the pretest, chicks will be individually weighed by strain and placed in weight classes. Birds from each weight class (separated by strain) will be randomly/equally allocated to floor pen and treatment. For grower experimental diet feed manufacture, similar feed manufacture techniques will be utilized as those outlined above. Following the termination of the performance trial, two broilers of each sex per pen were randomly chosen for determination of d 63 processing characteristics.Grower Phase (d14-28): 2 ExperimentsExperiment 1 - Treatments Consist of Providing Several Sizes of Sieved FeedObservation pens included for monitoring of selection of feed particle*Experiment 2 - Treatments Consist of Providing Additional Sizes of Sieved Feed;Observation pens included for monitoring of selection of feed particle*On d 14, 18, 24 and 28 birds will be weighed individually during the grower growth phase. Gastrointestinal morphology will be determined on d 14, 18, 24, and 28 by randomly selecting one bird per pen. Following the grower growth phase, birds will be individually weighed at the end of each growth phase (d 42, 56, and 62).*For observation pens (4/treatment), feed will be weighed daily for determination of feed particle size preference/consumption.Finisher 1 Phase (d 28-42): 1 ExperimentTreatments Consist of Providing Variations in IPOn d 28, 32, 36 and 42 birds will be weighed individually. Gastrointestinal morphology will be determined on d 28, 32, 36, and 42 by randomly selecting one bird per pen. Following the Finisher 1 growth phase, birds will be individually weighed at the end of each growth phase (d 56 and 62).Finisher 2 Phase (d 42-56): 1 ExperimentTreatments Consist of Providing Variations in IPThe experimental period will last from d 42-56. On d 42, 49, and 56 birds will be weighed individually. Gastrointestinal morphology will be determined on d 42, 49, and 56 by randomly selecting one bird per pen. Following the Finisher 2 growth phase, birds will be individually weighed at the end of the remaining growth phase (d 62).Withdraw Phase (d 56-62): 1 ExperimentTreatments Consist of Providing Variations in IPOn d 56, 59, and 62 birds will be weighed individually. Gastrointestinal morphology will be determined on d 56, 59, and 62 by randomly selecting one bird per pen.

Progress 10/01/19 to 09/30/20

Outputs
Target Audience:During this reporting period there were a variety of individuals that were a target audience including: 1) poultry producers and allied industries (nationally and internationally); 2) poultry and other animal scientists (nationally and internationally); and3) students (nationally and internationally) Changes/Problems:COVID-19 hindered sourcing birds when the studies were planned for early 2020. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?International Poultry Scientific Forum, Atlanta, GA (Attended and students presented research) International Poultry Expo, Atlanta, GA (Attended) Poultry Science Association Annual Meeting (Attended) Attended Annual NE1442 Multistate Meeting, Virtual Attended and Presented at Arkansas Nutrition Conference (Students also attended) How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Data has been published in journals andalso presented at international meetings, including Arkansas Nutrition Conference What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Weplan conduct at two studies pertaining to optimal starter feed partical size, which will include bird preference of feed particle sizeand bird beak capacity. Bird strain, breeder flock age and sex will be considered.

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? Due to COVID-19, research trials planned to fulfill some of these goals were canceled. Therefore, mostly publications were made within the past year; however, some equipment purchases were also made (using other funding) to enable goals of this project to be met within the next year.

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wamsley, Kelley and Andrew Brown. A Practical Approach to Determine Optimal Starter Feed Particle Size for Broilers. Arkansas Nutrition Conference Proceedings. 2020. https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2564125/886611EBD53D6D900D96A0B09F5B654A
• Type: Other Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Wamsley, Kelley and Andrew Brown. A Practical Approach to Determine Optimal Starter Feed Particle Size for Broilers. Arkansas Nutrition Conference Presentation on Sept 3, 2020. https://event.on24.com/wcc/r/2564125/886611EBD53D6D900D96A0B09F5B654A
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sellers, R. B., Brown, A. T., Boney, J., McDaniel, C., Moritz, J. S., & Wamsley, K. G. S. (2020). Impact of feed form, liquid application method, and feed augering on feed quality, nutrient segregation, and subsequent broiler performance. Journal of Applied Poultry Research.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2020 Citation: Sellers, R. B., Brown, A. T., Tabler, T., McDaniel, C., & Wamsley, K. G. S. (2020). Impact of feed system augering on physical segregation of pelleted feed throughout an entire commercial broiler house. Journal of Applied Poultry Research.

Progress 01/01/19 to 09/30/19

Outputs
Target Audience:Data from this project was shared in a course in Feed Manufacture at Mississippi State University (Department of Poultry Science). The audience in this course was 34 undergraduate students and 2 graduate students. These data have also been presented nationally and internationally. Specifically, at the International Poultry Scientific Forum (Atlanta, GA), the Pilgrims Feed Mill Manager Meeting (Chattanooga, TN), as well as the Massey University Poultry Conference (New Zealand). At all venues, scientists, students and individuals involved with poultry production across the world were attendees. Changes/Problems: Nothing Reported What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?One of my graduate student's presented this work at two international meetings. Additionally, I presented this at an international conference, as well as a large poultry integrator's feed mill workshop. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Through presentations and publications. The abstracts presented in 2019 will be submitted for peer review journal publications in 2020. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?Previous digestibility data will be analyzed to try to determine a mode of action for enhancing bird performance when feeding larger average particle sizes of feed. Additionally, over the next year, we plan to determine if a range of feed particle sizes is better for broilers during the starter phase (or one common, consistent average particle size).

Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals? From a previous experiment (Lemons, 2018), a concurrent companion study was conducted to determine the impact of these treatments on broiler performance and their relationship to average feed particle size consumed (Brown, et al., 2019). In order to accomplish this, a sub-sample of pens were utilized where d old chicks were randomly assigned to pens by strain (HY or FG; 480 straight-run chicks/strain). On each day of the starter phase (d 0-18), each pen was fed 2x the breeder recommendations for feed intake/bird/day. Prior to feeding, each assigned treatment was hand-sieved, using a stack of 8 sieves to determine particle size classification; each treatment was then recombined before being fed. Each day, the previous days' feed was sieved similarly to identify feed remaining on each sieve. This was done in order to determine average particle size consumed each day using a modified ASAE S319.2 method (Lemons and Moritz, 2016; Glover et al., 2016). Sieves (U.S.) utilized were 5 (4000 microns), 6 (3360 microns), 7 (2830 microns), 8 (2380 microns), 10 (2000 microns), 12 (1680 microns), 14 (1410 microns), and 16 (1190 microns), as well as the pan (assigned 37 microns). These data demonstrated that HY strains consumed higher average feed particle sizes from 0-6 d as compared to FG strains (2509 vs. 2200 microns; P=0.0002; Table 4). At 0-18 d, strain and feed form fed (pellet or crumbles) interacted exhibiting that when both strains were fed crumbles, they consumed the largest average feed particle sizes (3106 and 3083 microns for FG and HY strains, respectively; P=0.008; Table 4). The HY strain chicks fed pellets had consumed the next largest particle size, followed by FG strain chicks fed pellets (2512 and 2347 microns, respectively). For both d 0-6 and 0-18, feed quality (low, medium or high) and feed form (crumbles or pellets) fed to chicks interactively affected their average particle size consumed (Both P <0.0001; Table 4). From 0-6 d, chicks fed low quality crumbles had the highest average feed particle size consumed (2826 microns) but were similar in particle size consumed by chicks fed crumbles of medium and high quality, regardless of strain. Chicks fed pellets of high quality consumed the next largest average feed particle size (2552 microns), followed by chicks fed low and medium quality pellets (1660 and 1600 microns, respectively). From 0-18 d, chicks fed crumbles of medium and high quality, as well as though fed pellets of high quality, consumed the largest average particle sizes (3200, 3185, and 3250, respectively). Additionally, significant correlations for 0-6 d BW, BW gain and FCR demonstrated that chicks consuming a higher average particle size had improved performance (P=0.01; R=0.35, 0.37, and -0.38, respectively; data not shown); this was also true for d 0-18 FCR (P=0.04; R=-0.30; data not shown; Brown et al., 2019).

Publications

• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Other Year Published: 2019 Citation: Wamsley, K.G.S. Crumb Quality: Increasing Starter Average Feed Particle Size to Optimize Broiler Performance. 2019 Pilgrims Feed Mill Manager Meeting, Chattanooga, TN, June 12.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brown, Andrew, Mark Lemons, Chris McDaniel, Joseph Moritz, and Kelley Wamsley. Determining the relationship among average particle size consumed and gastrointestinal characteristics of two broiler strains in the starter phase. 2019. Poult. Sci. Vol 98 (E-Suppl. 1):207.
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Accepted Year Published: 2019 Citation: Brown, Andrew, Mark Lemons, Chris McDaniel, Joseph Moritz, and Kelley Wamsley. Determining the average particle size (APS) consumed between two broiler strains (S) receiving diets varying in feed form (FF) and feed quality (FQ) and the subsequent impact on starter performance (0-6 and 0-18 d) 2019. Poult. Sci. Vol 98 (E-Suppl. 1):19.
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Mark E Lemons, Christopher D McDaniel, Joseph S Moritz, Kelley G S Wamsley, Interactive Effects of High or Low Feed Form and Phase of Feeding on Performance of Ross x Ross 708 Male Broilers Throughout a 46 d Growout, The Journal of Applied Poultry Research, Volume 28, Issue 3, September 2019, Pages 616630, https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz012
• Type: Journal Articles Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: Mark E Lemons, Christopher D McDaniel, Joseph S Moritz, Kelley G S Wamsley, Increasing Average Feed Particle Size During the Starter Period Maximizes Ross � Ross 708 Male Broiler Performance, The Journal of Applied Poultry Research, Volume 28, Issue 2, June 2019, Pages 420434, https://doi.org/10.3382/japr/pfz004
• Type: Conference Papers and Presentations Status: Published Year Published: 2019 Citation: 1. Wamsley, K.G.S. 2019. Increasing Starter Average Feed Particle Size to Optimize Broiler Performance: Journey to Determining the Optimal Starter Feed Particle Size. Proceedings of Advancing Poultry Production Massey Technical Update Conference, Monogastric Research Centre, Massey University, Palmerston North, New Zealand. Vol 21. p 45-55.