Application of quality control technology on particle size of laying hen feed

Feed particle size is often overlooked in poultry production. Feed manufacturers often cannot ensure uniform feed particle size and complete mixing of each feed ratio during the production process. Feed particles are uneven in size, some are very fine, and some are very rough. Different grinding and crushing methods will also lead to different distribution of feed particles. Even when the overall nutrition of the feed is similar, different particle sizes will affect the digestion and absorption of the feed and the poultry. production performance. Therefore, feed companies should frequently evaluate the size and distribution of feed particles to reduce influencing factors as much as possible.

Effect of feed particle size on the digestive system

The development of the digestive system is affected by the size of the feed particles. Poultry eating feed with larger particles can promote the development of the gizzard and increase the length of the intestinal tract. Larger particles of feed remain in the gizzard for a longer period of time, and the feed is ground into smaller particles before being released into the small intestine. The longer the intestinal villi, the greater the surface area for digestion and absorption, thereby increasing the digestion and absorption of nutrients. Researchers believe that feeding large particles of feed can promote the secretion of digestive enzymes in the small intestine and facilitate the digestion and absorption of nutrients. When feeding fine particle feed (powder), the feed does not need to be ground and quickly enters the glandular stomach through the gizzard, causing the gizzard to become smaller, the glandular stomach to expand, and the length of the intestinal tract to be reduced. Therefore, it is not recommended to use feed that is too fine.

Correct feed pellet size

Feed particle size can significantly affect poultry feed intake. The ideal feed particles should increase with the development of the chicken’s beak, gizzard, and digestive organs. Laying hens tend to eat large pellet feed, and this preference becomes more obvious as the age increases.

In the first 6 weeks, starter feed generally uses 1-3mm powder. For chicks, the nutrients in the powder are more uniform. However, as the age increases, continuous feeding of powder will cause changes in the gizzard and small intestine of the chicken. Small.

After starting the food, switch to a well-mixed powder to ensure the development of the digestive organs. 55-85% of the feed particles in the powder are 1-3mm in size, with a geometric mean diameter of 1200 microns. Prenatal feed should contain stone powder pellets with a diameter of 2-4mm, which will help ensure the quality of eggshells.

Feed particle size (grain)

Feed particle classifiers classify feed samples based on particle size.

  • Can be used in chicken farms to detect the particle size of feed delivered from the feed farm – when delivering the feed or taking samples from the feed tower for testing.
  • Assess feed particle size uniformity throughout the feeding system – take samples from multiple points.

Too much fine grained feed

  • Reduced feed intake and nutrient absorption
  • Increased dust in the chicken house

Too much coarse grained feed

  • Chickens will choose large pellet feed
  • Increased risk of feed separation

Best granules

  • The birds can be allowed to consume fine pellet feed at intervals of 3–4 hours at noon. Daily consumption of fine feed pellets is important to balance nutritional intake. • Add a minimum of 0.5% oil or liquid fat to the feed to help mix and adhere to small particles of feed. • Use large pellets or crushed feed to increase feed intake in hot climates.