SPECIAL STORY 62 FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE March 2022 THE IMPORTANCE OF FEED PARTICLE SIZE (GRANULOMETRY) IN LAYING HENS Feed particle size has a large impact on the chickens' feed intake, dusty feed particles will reduce feed intake greatly. We advise to increase the feed particle size with the age of the chicks. As the chicks grow, they will develop the size of their beaks, their gizzards, and the digestive tract. It is well known that laying hens are selective eaters: laying hens have a clear preference for the larger particles. Feed structure (feed particle size in particular) is an often-overlooked aspect of egg production. Feed producers should not assume that when chicken feed is uniform in size and homogeneously mixed, it will be provided in the optimal distribution of particle size along the feeders. Feed granulometry affects the birds’ feed consumption (1), therefore we recommend checking the feed granulometry on a regular basis in the feed mill as well as on the poultry farm. The structure of the feed, including both the particle size and the uniformity depends on many characteristics, for example the ingredient composition, the grain characteristics, and the milling method (2;3). When feed is presented in the form of a good quality crumb, it will be easier for the chickens to consume, it reduces the time that it takes to consume the feed, and it provides a more uniform composition. As a result, it will encourage the development of the chickens (1). When rearing chicks, it is highly recommended to use a crumble diet from day 0 to 4/5 weeks of age, followed by a mash diet with the recommended particle size as specified below (1). Please be aware that mash diets are more sensitive to selective eating by the chickens. Particle size is therefore more critical in mash diets when compared to pellets or crumbles (3). Besides, particles which are too fine will result in a reduction in feed consumption (1), the right balance between the different particles is therefore key! If segregation in the silo or feeding system occurs, the different ingredients and nutrients are separating (4). This can negatively affect the chickens’ daily nutrient intake (4). Mash feed, with the good particle size distribution, will allow good growth and the proper development of a robust digestive system (1). There is no standard method of particle size analyses yet (5), however, dry sieving is an appropriate method for non-expanded feed (5). Therefore, Hendrix Genetics recommends using a small feed Estella Leentfaar Nutritionist Hendrix Genetics Layers
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