Member Lina Paola Pardo Quevedo
MemberForum Replies Created
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Best practices for raw material sampling & NIR validation ? – Pls share your thoughts
Sakthivel V P
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Importance of Ingredient Particle Size in Poultry Feed
1. Gizzard Development & Function
Ø Coarser particles (not too fine) stimulate the gizzard, increasing mechanical grinding activity.
Ø A well-developed gizzard slows feed passage, improves nutrient digestion and reduces feed wastage.
Ø Finely ground particles reduce gizzard activity → faster passage → poorer nutrient utilization.
2. Starch & Protein Digestibility
Ø Corn (Maize): Slightly coarser grind (600–900 µm) improves starch digestibility and energy utilization.
Ø Rice: Finely ground rice improves starch gelatinization but too fine (<400 µm) may reduce gizzard function.
Ø Wheat: Contains soluble NSP (non-starch polysaccharides); if too fine, it increases intestinal viscosity → poor nutrient absorption. Medium particle size is best.
3. Feed Conversion Ratio (FCR) Impact
Ø Fine grinding (<400 µm): Higher pellet durability but poorer FCR due to rapid passage and gut health issues.
Ø Medium grind (500–900 µm): Balanced — good pellet quality + optimal gizzard stimulation → best FCR.
Ø Too coarse (>1200 µm): Feed sorting, poor pellet quality, inconsistent intake → worsened FCR.
4. Pellet Quality vs Digestibility Balance
Pelleting requires some fine particles for durability.
A mix of 70–80% medium grind + 20–30% fine particles is optimal for both pellet quality and bird performance.
5. Practical Effects on Birds
Ø Improves FCR by 2–5 points when particle size is optimized.
Ø Reduces wet litter (less undigested nutrients).
Ø Enhances gut microbiota balance (less undigested starch in hindgut).
Ø Decreases risk of digestive disorders.
Key Takeaway:
The right particle size for each grain in the formula improves gizzard development, digestion, and nutrient utilization, which directly translates into better FCR and profitability in poultry production
Sakthivel V P
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A good point for initiating discussion.
Critical Standing Crop can also be named as “carrying capacity”.
Carrying capacity refers to maximum production using natural productivity.
As we look forward for enhancing the production from same pond / area it would need to incorporate certain practices like giving formulated feed, adding up aeration etc.
I hope this clears you about the CSC. Let me know in case any doubt or clarification.
-Anoop -
Pellet die choking is one of the most common issues in feed pelleting, and correctly identifying whether it’s a dry choke or wet choke is key to fixing it quickly. Here’s a structured explanation for you:
Dry Die Choking Causes
1. Low or No Steam Addition – mash too dry.
2. Poor Gelatinization – insufficient cooking/binding.
3. Worn-out or blunt press rolls – feed not pressed properly.
4. Improper die L/D ratio for formula – fine grinding + short die holes.
5. Excessive die temperature – scorched material baking inside holes.
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Wet Die Choking Causes
1. Excess steam or condensation – mash too wet/sticky.
2. Low conditioning temperature – steam condenses instead of cooking.
3. Poor steam quality – wet steam (high water content).
4. Excess fat/mollasses or liquid binders in formula – sticky mash.
5. Low die temperature at start up – steam condenses at die face.
To Prevent Dry Die Choking
• Maintain adequate steam pressure & quality (dry saturated steam, >80% quality).
• Ensure proper mash moisture (15–17% before pelleting, depending on raw materials).
• Use correct die L/D ratio based on formulation (fibrous vs cereal-based).
• Keep rolls in good condition and set with correct roll–die gap.
• Avoid running very fine grind without conditioning adjustment.
To Prevent Wet Die Choking
• Ensure steam traps and separators are working → supply dry steam.
• Start pelleting only after die warms up to avoid condensation.
• Avoid over steaming beyond optimum mash moisture.
• Control liquid fat/mollasses addition (normally <1.5% before pellet mill, rest post-pelleting).
• Maintain conditioner discharge temperature (usually 80–85°C for broiler feed).
Rule of Thumb:
• Dry choke = not enough steam/binding → dusty mash.
• Wet choke = too much moisture/condensation → sticky mash.
Sakthivel V P
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by India.
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This reply was modified 5 months, 2 weeks ago by
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Good discussion and mentioning by many of you.
Broadly if we say, virus is opportunistic, attacks fish / shrimp when they are weak, their immune system is down / low. Also when ecology is not in control and organic matter content exceeds and obnoxious gases are formed in the system.
That’s why it is advisable to take care of ecology (Water as well as soil) and health of fish / shrimp in routine beginning onward.
-Anoop -
Thin eggshells in layer birds are mainly caused by calcium deficiency, vitamin D3 deficiency, or imbalance of phosphorus in the diet. Other causes include old age of hens, heat stress, diseases (like infectious bronchitis), and improper feed formulation.
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High DEB promotes respiratory alkalosis, increasing blood pH and bicarbonate levels as the body struggles to maintain acid-base balance.
Low DEB diets can lead to metabolic acidosis, where the body accumulates too much acid, disrupting its normal physiological functions.
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What are the essential nutrients required in poultry feed to ensure proper growth, egg production, and overall health of chickens?
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What causes layer birds eggshells to become thin?
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Improve immunity.
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Is there a precise quantity (litres) of water each poultry bird must consume daily?
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Heat stress can lead to a decrease in muscle protein and an increase in fat deposition.
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Is chicken compost acidic.?
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live vaccines can significantly reduce transmission rates.
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Everything is cost so as would be requiring to identify what is essential and in which dosage to improve immune system and health. Be very cautious to be effective.
-Anoop
