Influence of feed ingredients with pellet-binding properties on physical pellet quality, growth performance, carcass characteristics and nutrient retention in broiler chickens

The influence of inclusion of pellet binder on physical pellet quality, growth performance, carcass characteristics and total tract apparent retention of nutrients was examined. Broiler starter (Days 1-21, pellet diameter: 2.5 mm) and finisher (Days 22-42, pellet diameter: 4 mm) diets were formulated and then allocated to one of the seven treatments including control diet, and diets including sodium bentonite (10 and 20 g/kg), wheat gluten (10 and 20 g/kg) and wheat (100 and 200 g/kg). All ingredients used as a pellet binder significantly (P < 0.05) increased the pelletdurability index compared with control diet. Wheat gluten and wheat at both inclusion rates were significantly (P < 0.05) more efficient than was sodium bentonite in improving pellet hardness. From Day 1 to Day 42, chickens fed 10 g/kg wheat gluten and 100 and 200 g/kg wheat gained significantly (P < 0.05) more weight than did control. During starters, birds fed 200 g/kg wheat showed the highest feed intake (P < 0.05). On Day 42, all the pellet binders resulted in a heavier heart weight than in the control (P < 0.05). At Day 21, the length of ileum was significantly (P < 0.05) higher in birds fed 10 and 20 g/kg sodium bentonite, 10 g/kg wheat gluten and 200 g/kg wheat, but at Day 42, it was greater in birds fed 20 g/kg wheat gluten and 200 g/kg wheat than in those fed the control diet. Inclusion of wheat gluten (10 and 20 g/kg) and wheat (100 and 200 g/kg) increased (P < 0.05) fat apparent retention. Birds fed 20 g/kg wheat gluten had a significantly (P < 0.05) higher total tract apparent retention of crude fibre, also calcium apparent retention improved by wheat gluten inclusion at concentrations of 10 and 20 g/kg compared with control (P < 0.05). Overall, inclusion of 10 g/kg wheat gluten, and 100 and 200 g/kg of wheat improved physical pellet quality and weight gain in broilers.