Starter feed particle size (FPS) is typically small (~1200 µm) due to bird beak capacity (BC). Recent research has found that chicks can consume a larger FPS than previously thought; however, preferred FPS and its relationship with BC has not been established. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the effect of breeder flock age (BFA) and feeding strategy (FS) on 0-14 d performance, BC and FPS preference. These data found that BC was dependent upon BFA and FPS consumed was dependent upon FS. Also, chicks could consume increased FPS without impacting starter performance; thus Experiment 2 was conducted to determine the effects of BFA and Starter FS on carryover performance (0-61 d), BC and processing metrics. Significant BFA differences occurred, though no FS carryover impact occurred for the measured variables. Overall, these data suggest that chicks can consume a FPS of ~2600 µm without negatively affecting starter or carryover performance.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:MSSTATE/oai:scholarsjunction.msstate.edu:td-6687 |
| Date | 09 December 2022 |
| Creators | Alvarenga Ramirez, Maria Jose |
| Publisher | Scholars Junction |
| Source Sets | Mississippi State University |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | text |
| Format | application/pdf |
| Source | Theses and Dissertations |
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