Optimizing hammer mill speed: Impact on growth performance, pellet quality, and gizzard gene expression in broilers

Area of Science:

• Animal Science
• Poultry Nutrition
• Feed Processing Technology

Background:

• Feed costs represent a significant portion of poultry production expenses.
• Optimizing feed processing is crucial for enhancing broiler farm efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the impact of varying hammer mill speeds (HMSs) on broiler performance.
• To assess effects on pellet quality, gizzard morphology, and growth-related gene expression.

Main Methods:

• 1,500 broiler chicks were assigned to three HMS groups (100%, 75%, 50%) for 28 days.
• Evaluated growth performance, pellet characteristics, gizzard morphology, and gene expression (GH, GHR, IGF1, IGF2).

Main Results:

• Reduced HMS (75% and 50%) improved body weight and feed conversion ratio.
• Enhanced pellet durability and hardness were observed at lower HMS.
• Significant increases in gizzard size and growth hormone and IGF2 gene expression were noted.

Conclusions:

• Decreasing HMS to 75% optimizes broiler growth, pellet quality, and intestinal development.
• 50% HMS promotes IGF2-mediated gizzard hypertrophy, offering a strategy for feed efficiency and growth modulation.