ISSUE FOCUS FEED & ADDITIVE MAGAZINE October 2025 43 1. Prioritize pellet quality metrics, targeting PDI values above 90% and minimizing fines content below 30% where possible. 2. Implement comprehensive microbial quality control programs for feed ingredients and finished feeds, even though specific targets remain to be established. 3. Consider housing system effects when evaluating feed quality investments, recognizing that benefits may vary across production environments. 4. Monitor gut health indicators alongside traditional performance metrics to better understand feed quality impacts. Feed quality's impact on gut health represents a critical frontier in animal production, with documented improvements in feed conversion, weight gain and disease resistance justifying continued investment. While significant knowledge gaps remain in microbial quality specifications and underlying mechanisms, the evidence is clear: physical structure and microbial quality matter as much as nutrient content for livestock performance and welfare. Advancing this understanding requires collaboration between researchers, producers and technology partners committed to safer, more efficient food production. Anitox works alongside the global food industry to address these challenges through science-based approaches to feed hygiene and quality. References 1. Chewning, C., Stark, C. & Brake, J. (2012). Effects of particle size and feed form on broiler performance 2. Pope, J. T., Brake, J. & Fahrenholz, A. (2018). Post‐pellet liquid application fat disproportionately coats fines and affects mixed‐sex broiler live performance from 16 to 42 d of age 3. Richardson, K., Hofacre, C., Mathis, G., Lumpkins, B. & Phillips, R. (2017). Impact of controlling bacteria in feed on broiler performance during a clostridial challenge. Avian Diseases Gut health is more than a gut instinct. Improving bird productivity through clean feed. Get the study today. www.anitox.com/broiler-performance
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