Effect of Extrusion on Feed Characteristics and Broiler Chicken Performance

Abstract

Broiler feeds of identical formulas were fed to straight run broilers in the form of either non-heat treated mash, pellets, or extruded pellets to test the effect of feed processing on production parameters. Young broilers at ≤ 2wk old which were fed crumbled starter rations extruded prior to crumbling weighed more than birds fed crumbled starter rations that were pelleted prior to crumbling. However, when broilers received rations not crumbled following processing, birds fed extruded diets weighed less than those fed pelleted diets. Extruded feeds weighed less per unit volume than pelleted feeds. This density difference may account for the differences in body weights observed. The traditional ether extraction procedure detected a smaller percentage of the fat present in extruded feeds than did acid hydrolysis procedures. In addition, the extrusion process caused some protein and amino acid destruction. Therefore, extruded rations should be formulated at slightly higher nutrient density to compensate for nutrient destruction and loss of nutrient digestibility.