Influence of pellet length on pellet quality and performance of broiler starters

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of pellet length on pellet quality and performance of broiler starters (7-21 d of age). A wheat-based diet was formulated and pelleted to achieve 3 desired pellet lengths (3, 5, and 7 mm). Five experimental treatments were developed by feeding broilers pellets with different lengths during the second and third weeks of age. The treatments were feeding of 3-mm (length) pellets during wk 2 and 3; feeding 3- and 5-mm pellets during wk 2 and 3, respectively; feeding 3- and 7-mm pellets during wk 2 and 3, respectively; feeding of 5-mm pellets during wk 2 and 3; and feeding 5- and 7-mm pellets during wk 2 and 3, respectively. Increasing the pellet length from 3 to 5 and 7 mm significantly improved pellet durability and hardness with a marked increase associated with increasing the pellet length from 3 to 5 mm. Over the whole trial period (d 7-21), birds fed only 3-mm pellet diets showed highest feed intake. Weight gain of birds fed 3-mm pellets through the entire experiment was similar to those fed 5- and 7-mm pellets, but higher than other dietary treatments. Overall, the physical quality of pellets can be significantly enhanced by increasing the pellet length. However, young broilers (7-14 d of age) show a preference for shorter pellets.