Poultry Feed Processing Study on Pellet Size of Chicken Feed

Poultry Feed processing

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The size of feed pellets is a critical factor in poultry feed production that is often underestimated. Variations in pellet size can significantly influence the digestion and absorption processes in poultry, as well as their overall performance in production, even when the nutritional content remains largely the same. Therefore, it is essential for poultry feed manufacturers to identify the optimal pellet sizes for different bird species in order to mitigate any adverse effects. An important question arises: how do different pellet sizes impact the digestive systems of broilers and laying hens?

How to decide the Pellet Size in poultry Feed Processing?

The digestive system development of poultry animals is impacted by the size of feed pellets (granules).

Feeding poultry larger pellets can contribute to the development of their muscular stomachs and extend the length of their intestines, allowing for improved digestion.

Poultry Pelleted Feed Vs. Mash Feed

• Pelleted Feed for Poultry

Larger feed pellets tend to remain in the muscular stomach for a longer duration, where they are ground into smaller particles before being released into the small intestine. The increased length of the intestinal villi enhances the surface area available for digestion and absorption, ultimately leading to greater nutrient uptake. Research indicates that larger feed pellets can stimulate the secretion of digestive enzymes in the small intestine, improving nutrient absorption. Check out our Small Feed Pellet Line for more insights!

• Mash Feed for Poultry

When poultry is provided with mash feed, the feed rapidly progresses into the glandular stomach without sufficient grinding, which can result in a smaller muscular stomach, a larger glandular stomach, and a reduced intestinal length. Therefore, it is generally advised against using mash feed for mature broilers and laying hens.

Ideal Size of Poultry Feed

Effect of Crushing Process on Poultry Feed Pellet Size: The crushing method is a key determinant of the size of poultry feed pellets. For example, fodder materials such as soybean meal, fish meal, and premix feed do not need grinding, whereas grains like corn and wheat should be ground before pelleting.

As previously discussed, feed size has a considerable impact on how poultry consume and digest foods. Determining the ideal size for different bird species is essential, as the feed size must increase in tandem with the development of the poultry's beak, muscular stomach, and digestive organs.

In comparing broilers and layers, it is observed that laying hens prefer larger feed pellets, a trend that becomes more pronounced with age. Nonetheless, if excessively large pellets are offered, it may lead to an overconsumption of energy while not providing enough essential nutrients such as vitamins A, D, riboflavin, sodium, lysine, and other amino acids. For this reason, poultry farmers typically offer a blend of large and small pellets. Energy-rich ingredients such as corn are provided in larger pellet form, whilst smaller pellets deliver amino acids, phosphorus, vitamins, and minerals.

In the first six weeks of life, chicks typically are fed 1-3mm particle sizes. Feeding mash during this period aids in providing a uniform nutrient intake. However, as they age, continuing with mash feed can stunt the development of their muscular stomach and intestines. It is advisable to switch to a combination of mash and pelleted feed to support their digestive growth. Generally, 55% to 85% of poultry feed should be within the 1-3mm size range.

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Feed milling project for your reference: 2 ton/hour Animal Feed Processing Machine

Additionally, for chickens before they begin laying, the feed should include 2-4mm stone powder pellets to ensure egg shell quality. Often, declines in egg production and issues with eggshell quality are attributable to poor nutrition. It is crucial for feeders to monitor feeding patterns closely, adjusting frequency and quantity as needed to maintain a balanced intake of both large and small feed pellets each day.