Evaluation of a Lignocellulose-rich Fibre Source and Particle Size on Broiler Growth Performance

Different strategies have been explored to improve broiler growth performance. Recently, the physical structure of feed ingredients and fibre has gained increasing interest as a nutritional tool to improve broiler performance especially feed efficiency. It is hypothesized that feeding larger particle sized raw materials and increased fibre may improve broiler health and growth performance by increasing gizzard and function (Choct, 2009; Svihus, 2011). However, published data regarding the effect of ingredient particle size, source and physical structure of fibre on broiler performance are inconsistent (Amerah et al, 2007, 2009; Sacranie et al, 2012; Svihus 2011). The present study assessed the impact of dietary lignocellulose and raw material particle size on growth performance up to 35 d in broilers fed a corn-based diet. The experimental design employed a 2 × 3 factorial arrangement of treatments. Factors were: corn particle size - coarse and fine and lignocellulose - 0, 10 and 20g/kg. Each treatment was fed to 6 replicate pens of 19 male Ross 308 broilers from 0-35 d.