Impact of Feed Form (Pelleted vs. Mash) on Feed Intake and Growth Rate of Broilers

CHAPTER ONE

1.1 Background to the Study

Feed form is a major factor influencing the growth performance and feed efficiency of poultry. Broilers are usually fed in mash, pellet, or crumble form, depending on production goals and cost. Pelleting enhances feed digestibility, reduces feed wastage, and improves nutrient utilization, while mash feed is cheaper and easier to produce (Amerah et al., 2007).

Feed processing affects how nutrients are presented to the birds. Pelleting, for instance, increases feed density and minimizes selective feeding, leading to faster growth (Abdollahi et al., 2013). However, some studies suggest that excessive heat during pelleting can destroy heat-sensitive nutrients such as vitamins and enzymes (Nir et al., 1995).

Optimizing feed form is important for balancing cost and performance in broiler production. Understanding how pelleted and mash feeds influence intake, weight gain, and feed conversion can help farmers make informed decisions.

1.2 Statement of the Problem

The cost of feed processing and inconsistent reports about the benefits of pelleted versus mash feeds have created confusion among poultry farmers. While pelleted feeds may improve growth performance, they are more expensive to produce. Farmers often lack empirical data to determine whether the additional cost of pelleting is justified by improved performance.

1.3 Objectives of the Study

The objectives of this study are to:

1. Compare feed intake and weight gain of broilers fed pelleted and mash diets.

2. Evaluate feed conversion efficiency between the two feed forms.

3. Assess the economic implications of using pelleted versus mash feed.

1.4 Research Questions

1. Does feed form affect feed intake and growth rate in broilers?

2. Which feed form results in better feed conversion efficiency?

3. Is pelleted feed economically viable compared to mash feed?

1.5 Significance of the Study

The study will help poultry farmers and nutritionists determine the most cost-effective feed form for broiler production. It will also provide scientific evidence to guide feed millers in designing efficient feed formulations.

1.6 Scope and Limitation of the Study

The study focuses on broilers fed pelleted and mash diets under uniform management conditions. Possible limitations include feed processing quality and environmental influences such as temperature and humidity.

1.7 Definition of Terms

• Pelleted Feed: Ground feed ingredients compressed into uniform particles.

• Mash Feed: Unprocessed feed made of ground ingredients.

• Feed Conversion Ratio: The amount of feed required for an animal to gain one unit of body weight.

References
Abdollahi, M. R., Ravindran, V. and Svihus, B. (2013) Pelleting of broiler diets: An overview with emphasis on pellet quality and nutritional value. Animal Feed Science and Technology, 179(1–4), 1–23.
Amerah, A. M., Ravindran, V. and Lentle, R. G. (2007) Influence of feed particle size and feed form on the performance and nutrient utilization of broiler chickens. World’s Poultry Science Journal, 63(3), 439–455.
Nir, I., Twina, Y., Grossman, E. and Nitsan, Z. (1995) Quantitative effects of pelleting on performance, gastrointestinal tract development, and energy utilization in broilers. Poultry Science, 74(5), 868–875.