High steam-conditioning temperature during the pelleting process impairs growth performance and nutrient utilization in broiler starters fed barley-based diets, regardless of carbohydrase supplementation

Optimization of processing parameters of 50 % aged paddy rice replace of corn in feed formula: effects of grinding sieve opening, conditioning temperature and time on the growth performance, meat quality and serum biochemical parameters in broilers

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different grinding sieve openings (SO), conditioning temperatures (CTP), and conditioning times (CTM) on feed processing performance, growth performance, meat quality, and serum biochemical indices of broiler chickens fed a diet in which 50 % of corn was replaced with aged paddy rice. A total of 960 white-feathered broiler chickens were randomly divided into 8 groups, with the experiment designed to test 2 SO sizes (2.0 mm and 2.5 mm), 2 CTPs (75 °C and 85 °C), and 2 CTMs (90 s and 180 s). The results showed that the 2.0 mm SO and 180 s CTM significantly improved pellet hardness and the pellet durability index (PDI) (P < 0.05). During the early stages of the experiment, when the broilers digestive systems were not fully developed, a 2.5 mm SO significantly reduced the feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P < 0.001), while 75 °C CTP significantly increased average daily gain (ADG) and body weight (BW) at day 21 (P < 0.05). Additionally, 75 °C CTP significantly reduced the cecum organ weight ratio (P < 0.05). In terms of meat quality, a 2.5 mm SO significantly reduced drip loss and cooking loss at 48 h and 72 h (P < 0.01, P < 0.01, P < 0.05), while a 90 s CTM significantly reduced drip loss and cooking loss at 24 h (P < 0.05, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the combination of 2.5 mm SO and 90 s CTM significantly increased serum urea nitrogen (BUN) levels (P < 0.05). Considering the optimization of both growth performance and meat quality, the combination of 2.5 mm SO, 75 °C CTP, and 90 s CTM is recommended for optimizing aged paddy rice feed processing and enhancing broiler growth performance and meat quality.

Interaction between feeding regimen, NSPase enzyme and extent of grinding of barley-based pelleted diets on the performance, nutrient digestibility and ileal microbiota of broiler chickens

1. The effects of feeding regimen, NSPase, extent of grinding and their interaction on the performance, digestive tract characteristics and ileal microbiota were studied. Eleven-day-old Ross 308 male broilers were given ad libitum (ADL) or intermittent (INT) access to finely (FG) or coarsely (CG) ground barley-based pelleted diets, with or without NSPase in a replicated pen trial. All birds had 4 h darkness separated with 1 h light periods with feed access. In addition, INT birds had access to feed through three 1 h feeding periods and one 2 h feeding period, with 3 h feed restriction periods in between.2. The INT feeding decreased weight gain (p < 0.001) but did not affect FCR. Supplementation with NSPase increased (p = 0.018) weight gain, but there was a tendency (p = 0.063) for it to be improved in INT-fed birds only. Including NSPase improved FCR, but only with FG diets (p = 0.037) and in INT group (p = 0.033).3. The CG diet significantly reduced (p = 0.044) pH of the gizzard contents and increased (p = 0.035) gizzard relative weight compared to FG. Addition of NSPase (p < 0.001) or FG (p = 0.049) reduced jejunal digesta viscosity. The FG diet improved (p = 0.019) starch digestibility compared to CG. In NSPase-supplemented diets, CG increased ileal protein digestibility compared to FG in birds fed ADL only, resulting in a three-way interaction(p = 0.012).4. The FG diet increased ileal concentration of total eubacteria and Lactobacillus spp. (p = 0.049), whilst INT feeding increased ileal concentration of Streptococcus spp. (p = 0.001). In NSPase-containing diets, FG increased ileal density of Enterococcus spp. in INT-fed birds (p = 0.027).5. In conclusion, finely-ground barley in pelleted diets responded better to NSPase enzymes than coarsely ground, particularly under INT feeding.

Performance, egg quality and organ traits of laying hens fed black soldier fly larvae products

Due to consumer demands and institutional pressure, the egg production sector, is looking for alternative protein sources for laying hen feed to support more sustainable, circular production. black soldier fly (BSF) larvae could be used as a protein source. In addition to protein the larvae contain large quantities of fat and can either be fed to laying hens unprocessed (alive) or processed (meal and oil). The current study was performed with 560 Brown Nick laying hens from 20 to 27 wk of age. The laying hens were divided over 5 treatments, each replicated 8 times. Treatments consisted of standard laying hen feed (control) and standard feed in which soybean meal was partly exchanged with live BSF larvae or BSF larvae meal and oil combined, at 2 inclusion levels. During the experiment production parameters, egg-quality, and length and weight of various organs were measured. Laying hens fed BSF larvae products consumed less feed compared to those of the control group. Most egg production parameters were similar, however laying hens fed diets with BSF larvae meal plus oil produced eggs with lower egg weight during the last 2 wk of the experiment, compared to the control group. All egg-quality characteristics remained the same across treatments, except for darker yolk colors when feeding BSF meal and oil and high inclusion of live BSF larvae. This is a favorable characteristic for European consumers. The weight of intestinal organs was largely unaffected by the treatments. The jejunum and ileum weight of laying hens fed live larvae was lower compared to the control group. As FCRs were similar or improved compared to the control group, we assume that nutrient utilization was not impaired. For most detected differences the type of BSF larvae product (live larvae or meal plus oil) rather than inclusion level was of significance.

Effects of feed conditioning temperature on pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal development and blood parameters of geese from 1 to 28 d of age

A 28-d experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of feed-conditioning temperature on the pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal development, and blood parameters of geese. A total of 180 one-day-old White Yuzhou goslings were randomly allotted to 5 treatment groups, with 6 replicates containing 6 birds each. Five diets were conditioned at 65, 70, 75, 80, and 85°C. Body weight and feed intake per pen basis were recorded from the arrival to the end of the trial. Blood and small intestine samples were collected on d 28 for analysis. The results showed that the pellet durability index (PDI), pellet hardness, and gelatinisation degree of starch (GDS) increased with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). The final body weight (FBW), average daily gain (ADG) and average daily feed intake (ADFI) of goslings significantly increased when conditioning temperature increased from 65 or 70°C to 80 or 85°C (P < 0.05), accompanied by unaffected feed conversion ratio (FCR) (P > 0.05). The villus height to crypt depth ratio (VH/CD) in the duodenum and ileum improved with increasing conditioning temperature (P < 0.05). Additionally, trypsin and amylase activity were enhanced when the conditioning temperature increased from 65 to 85°C (P < 0.05). No significant differences in the carcass traits and blood parameters of goslings were observed among the groups (P > 0.05). Overall, under the present experimental conditions, increasing the steam-conditioning temperature of pelleted feed improved pellet quality, growth performance, intestinal morphology, and digestive enzyme activity in goslings. Based on broken-line regression analysis, the lower critical conditioning temperature for ADG in geese from 1 to 28 d of age was 80.95°C.

Cereal type and conditioning temperature altered protein and carbohydrate molecular structure, nutrient retention and performance in broilers fed pellet diets during starter and grower period

1. Effects of cereal type and conditioning temperature (CT) on protein and carbohydrate (CHO) molecular structures, nutrient retention, carcass and blood characteristics, caecal microbial population and growth criteria of broilers fed pellet diet were evaluated for a total period of 35 d.2. In total, 336-day-old Cobb 500 broiler chicks were randomly allotted into a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with two different cereal types (maize or wheat) processed in two different temperatures (CT; 68°C or 90°C) with seven pen replicates containing 12 birds each.3. Chicks fed the maize-based diets significantly gained higher body weight (BW) and lower feed conversion ratio (FCR) in comparison to the chicks fed wheat-based diets during the whole grow-out period (p < 0.01). Overall, the highest BW and feed intake (FI) were seen in birds fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 68°C, but the lowest FCR was observed in maize-based diet conditioned at 90°C at 7, 14 and 21 d of age (p < 0.01). However, BW was higher and FCR lower in chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at 90°C in the grower period (28 and 35 d; p < 0.01).4. The α-helix height was higher in wheat-based starter diets in comparison to the maize-based diet (p < 0.01). Ratio of amide I to II area and total CHO peak height were increased when diets were processed at 90°C in both maize and wheat-based starter diet (p < 0.05). Increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C reduced CHO peak 1 and 2 height by 11.6% and 3.95%, respectively, in maize-based starter diets, while increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C reduced CHO peak 1 and 2 height by 54.3% and 57.2%, respectively, in wheat-based starter diets. In the grower diets, increasing the CT from 68°C to 90°C increased CHO peak 1 by 23% in maize-based diets, but reduced CHO peak 1 by 24.5% in wheat-based diets.5. Calcium and phosphorous retention were highest in chicks fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 90°C and lowest in chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at 90°C (p < 0.01). Salmonella, E. coli and coliforms in the caeca reduced significantly (p < 0.05) in chicks fed wheat-based diets conditioned at 90°C on d 11 and increased with the same diet at 35 d of age compared to the chicks fed maize-based diets conditioned at both 68°C and 90°C or wheat-based diets conditioned at 68°C.6. Conditioning the wheat-based diets at 68°C improved production responses without causing any adverse effects on protein and CHO molecular structures, however increasing the conditioning temperature to 90°C impaired performance due to alteration of protein and CHO molecular structures. In contrast, conditioning of the maize-based diets at 90°C had the opposite effect, and improved production performance compared to diets conditioned at 68°C.

The Interactive Impacts of Corn Particle Size and Conditioning Temperature on Performance, Carcass Traits, and Intestinal Morphology of Broiler Chickens

This study aimed to investigate the interactions between corn particle size (PS) and conditioning temperature (CT) on the performance, carcass traits, intestinal morphology, and immune responses in broilers fed a corn-soybean meal-based diet. A total of 360 one-day-old male broiler chicks (Ross 308) were randomly allocated into six dietary treatments in a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement, consisting of two corn PS (finely ground with geometric mean diameter (GMD) of 357 µm (PSF) vs. coarsely ground corn with GMD of 737 µm (PSC), and three CT [unconditioned (CTU), conditioned at 75 °C (CT75) and 90 °C (CT90)]. Birds were accommodated in 30 pens with five replicates and 12 chicks per each pen. There was no interaction between corn PS and CT on the growth performance and immune response of broilers at any growth phases. However, during the starter (0-10 days) period, the average daily weight gain (ADWG) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) of PSF-fed birds were significantly improved compared to those fed PSC (p < 0.05). During the starter (0-10 days) and grower (11-24 days) periods, increasing the conditioning temperature of corn increased the ADWG, while in the starter phase only the CT75 caused a lower FCR (p < 0.05). Broilers fed PSF corn showed the lowest FCR during the finisher (25-42 days) period compared to those fed PSC (p < 0.05). Conditioning corn at 75 °C reduced FCR during the finisher (25-42 days) period compared to the birds fed CTU and CT90 corn (p < 0.05). In whole experimental periods (1-42 days), PSF and CT75 treatment increased the ADWG compared to the PSC and CTU (p < 0.05). The CT75 treatment improved primary total anti-sheep red blood cell (SRBCs) titer (IgT) and IgM and secondary IgT and IgG responses compared to the other experimental groups (CTU and CT90) (p < 0.05). No significant PS × CT interaction was found on the Newcastle disease (ND) antibody titer of broiler chickens (p > 0.05). Feeding CT75 corn reduced duodenum and jejunum relative lengths compared to the birds fed diets containing CTU corn. Significant PS × CT interactions (p < 0.05) were observed for villus height, villus height to crypt depth, crypt depth, muscle thickness, and absorption surface area of the jejunum. The highest carcass yield was observed in the PSF-CT75 group (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the use of finely ground corn (PSF) conditioned at 75 °C (CT75) was beneficial to growth performance, development of the digestive tract, jejunum histomorphometry and the immune responses of broilers.

Controlling Salmonella: strategies for feed, the farm, and the processing plant

Controlling Salmonella in poultry is an ongoing food safety measure and while significant progress has been made, there is a need to continue to evaluate different strategies that include understanding Salmonella-poultry interaction, Salmonella-microbiota interactions, Salmonella genetics and response to adverse conditions, and preharvest and postharvest parameters that enable persistence. The purpose of this symposium is to discuss different strategies to consider from feed milling to the farm to the processing environment. This Poultry Science Association symposium paper is divided into 5 different sections that covers 1) immunological aspects of Salmonella control, 2) application of Salmonella genetics for targeted control strategies in poultry production, 3) improving poultry feed hygienics: utilizing feed manufacture techniques and equipment to improve feed hygienics, 4) practical on farm interventions for controlling Salmonella-what works and what may not work, and 5) monitoring and mitigating Salmonella in poultry. These topics elucidate the critical need to establish control strategies that will improve poultry gut health and limit conditions that exposes Salmonella to stress causing alterations to virulence and pathogenicity both at preharvest and postharvest poultry production. This information is relevant to the poultry industry's continued efforts to ensure food safety poultry production.

Barley, an Undervalued Cereal for Poultry Diets: Limitations and Opportunities

Simple Summary

With the ever-increasing demand for poultry products, the continuous supply of conventional cereal grains such as maize has become a challenge. Barley has been recognised as a potential alternative feed ingredient that can replace common cereal grains in poultry diets. However, due to several limitations such as the presence of various anti-nutritive factors and the variability in nutrient composition and quality, the use of barley in poultry diets remains comparatively low. The previous findings on the optimum use of barley in poultry diets are also inconsistent primarily due to differences in research methodologies. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised in this review. Moreover, the need to adapt feed processing conditions suitable to different barley cultivars to increase the inclusion of barley in poultry diets is highlighted in this review.

Abstract

The supply of conventional cereal grains, especially of maize, will be a significant constraint to the future growth of the poultry industry. Various alternative feed ingredients are being tested to replace maize in poultry diets. Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) is one such feed ingredient, the use of which remains limited in poultry diets due to its low metabolisable energy, presence of anti-nutritive, soluble non-starch polysaccharides and consequent inter-cultivar variability. Differences in research methodologies used in published studies have also contributed to the inconsistent findings, preventing a good understanding of the nutritional value of barley for poultry. The importance of using accurate nutrient profiles, specifically metabolisable energy and digestible amino acids, for specific barley cultivars to formulate barley-based diets is emphasised. Nutritionists should also pay close attention to feed processing conditions tailored to the specific barley cultivars to increase the barley inclusion in poultry diets.