Maximising the benefits of pelleting diets for modern broilers

The importance of feeding pelleted feed to broilers is no longer questionable. However, the extent of performance benefits associated with feeding pelleted diets to broilers depends on available nutrient intake, which, in turn, is influenced by grain type, processing variables such as conditioning temperature, feed texture and birds' digestive-tract development. The current practice of a high degree of feed processing, especially fine grinding, and ad libitum feeding do not support the normal development and functionality of the foregut. Incorporation of structural components in contemporary broiler diets can impart benefits to the birds' digestive system. Benefits from pelleting could be improved by using diets with lesser nutrient densities and a pellet-appropriate approach is suggested for broiler-feed formulation. In this strategy, dietary nutrient density must be considered to maximise the benefits from the steam-pelleting process. Identification of the optimum density to be used will warrant further research that also involves the economics. On the basis of available evidence, it is reasonable to assume that nutrient requirements of modern broilers may depend on the feed form and there is a need to determine the nutrient requirements of broilers using pelleted diets.