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Nutrient distribution
How can we ensure equal consumption of nutrients in feed?
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6 Replies
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Use uniform feed particle size
Ensure each birds eat same feed at same time
Avoid competition
Avoid nutrient imbalance
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In addition to what others have posted, it is important to avoid using feed ingredients from different batches or sources. This is because the nutritional differences are often significant.
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To ensure equal consumption of nutrients in feed, focus on providing a balanced diet, optimizing feed processing, and implementing effective feeding management strategies. This includes ensuring feed is palatable, accessible, and consumed at the right time to meet individual animal needs.
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<b data-start=”327″ data-end=”374″><strong data-start=”335″ data-end=”374″>Use Well-Formulated, Balanced Feeds
1. Use well-formulated, balanced diet feeds
2. Ensure uniform feed mixing
3. Provide enough feeders (avoid crowding)
4. Control feed particle size
5. Use feeding management practices
6. Group birds by size and age
7. Provide clean, cool water.
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Feed mixing homogeneity is definitively a key factor to ensure equal consumption of nutrients by birds. We should also think about the process after mixing, bagging, loading/unloading, transportation, and distribution systems. Many times, highly homogeneous feed is produced at the feed mill, but particle separation may occur after mixing step. What really matters is the homogeneity of the feed in front of the bird. As you think about collecting samples to measure the homogeneity of feed at the mixer discharge, also think about collecting feed samples from the feeder to evaluate homogeneity as well. In theory, if proper care was taken during all the post-mixing steps that feed is exposed until reaching the bird’s feeder, then the homogeneity at the feeder and at the mixer discharge should be the same. If the homogeneity at the feeder is greater than at the mixer discharge then we are facing loading/unloading, transportation, or distribution problems that are causing particle separation. Producing pellets of high quality is a great way to minimize particle separation in feed from the feed mill to the feeder.
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HOW CAN WE ENSURE EQUAL CONSUMPTION OF NUTRIENTS IN FEED?
The goal of mixing is to evenly distribute all components, resulting in a nutritionally balanced feed. Mixing uniformity is typically measured by the coefficient of variation (CV%) of a specific nutrient or ingredient—often chlorine from salt.
Key insights for better mixing results batch after batch:
- Generally mixing uniformity increases with mixing time (<5% CV is ideal)
- The order in which ingredients are added matters – add dry ingredients first before incorporating liquids. Adding liquid ingredients too early can cause lumping, leading to uneven distribution of nutrients such as fats and amino acids.
- Add liquids through multiple application points for optimal dispersion.
- Spray nozzles should be positioned and angled to direct liquids into the active mixing zone – typically the “throw” or fold of the paddles—where particles are suspended and mixed thoroughly.
<b style=”letter-spacing: 0.24px;”>Mixer CV Results
- CV <5% Excellent – no corrective action
- CV 5-10% Good – increase mixing time by 25-30%
- CV 10-15% Poor – Increase mixing time by 50%, look for worn equipment, overfilling, or sequence of ingredient addition and cleanliness of scroll or paddles, type of ingredient.Increase mixing time by 50%, look for worn equipment, overfilling, or sequence of ingredient addition and cleanliness of scroll or paddles, type of ingredient.
- CV >15% Vey Poor – Possible combination of above. Consult extension personnel or feed equipment manufacturerPossible combination of all above. Consult extension personnel or feed equipment manufacturer
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