Title: Effect of Whole Wheat Feeding on Gut Function and Nutrient Utilization in Poultry
Abstract: Abstract The need to reduce feed costs has led to renewed interest in the poultry industry in whole grain feeding, which was a common practice in the early days of commercial poultry production. Wheat is the common cereal considered in whole grain feeding, and only limited studies have examined the effect of other whole grains in poultry diets. Poultry can be offered whole grains using three techniques: (1) free choice feeding, where the birds reared in a flock, offered whole grains and a supplementary feed in separate feeders ad libitum , and have the choice in selecting ingredients; (2) mix feeding, where the whole grain is substituted for a portion of ground grain in a pelleted complete diet or added on top of the complete diet in the same feeder at the same time; or (3) sequential feeding, where the whole grain is fed in sequence with the other feeds. In general, free choice feeding of whole wheat with a balancer diet or a complete diet has been reported to result in poor live weight gains, but the effect on feed efficiency is variable between studies. There appears to be a general consensus that inclusion of whole wheat in broiler diets using the mixed feeding technique will have no adverse effect on broiler performance but will have an economical advantage. Research into sequential feeding has been limited and there is no study directed towards developing commercial feeding systems, which may limit its use. Several studies have demonstrated the beneficial effects of whole wheat feeding on nutrient utilization, which has been attributed to the positive effect of whole wheat on gizzard development. A more developed gizzard is associated with increased grinding activity, resulting in increased gut motility and greater digestion of nutrients. Higher gizzard functionality may also play a positive role in the control of bacterial populations in the gut and coccidiosis management. Further studies on the relationship of whole wheat feeding with bird performance and gut health are warranted.
Publication Year: 2014
Publication Date: 2014-01-01
Language: en
Type: book-chapter
Indexed In: ['crossref']
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Cited By Count: 1
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