Theses and Dissertations
Issuing Body
Mississippi State University
Advisor
Wamsley, Kelley G. S.
Committee Member
Adhikari, Pratima A.
Committee Member
Moritz, Joseph S.
Date of Degree
12-9-2022
Document Type
Graduate Thesis - Open Access
Major
Agriculture
Degree Name
Master of Science (M.S.)
College
College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Department
Department of Poultry Science
Abstract
Starter feed particle size (FPS) is typically small (~1200 µm) due to bird beak capacity (BC). Recent research has found that chicks can consume a larger FPS than previously thought; however, preferred FPS and its relationship with BC has not been established. Experiment 1 was conducted to determine the effect of breeder flock age (BFA) and feeding strategy (FS) on 0-14 d performance, BC and FPS preference. These data found that BC was dependent upon BFA and FPS consumed was dependent upon FS. Also, chicks could consume increased FPS without impacting starter performance; thus Experiment 2 was conducted to determine the effects of BFA and Starter FS on carryover performance (0-61 d), BC and processing metrics. Significant BFA differences occurred, though no FS carryover impact occurred for the measured variables. Overall, these data suggest that chicks can consume a FPS of ~2600 µm without negatively affecting starter or carryover performance.
Recommended Citation
Alvarenga Ramirez, Maria Jose, "Establishing the relationship between broiler beak size, starter feed particle size selection and performance" (2022). Theses and Dissertations. 5734.
https://scholarsjunction.msstate.edu/td/5734