Impact of feed particle size on nutrient digestibility and performance in pigs
- Publication Type
- Journal contribution (peer reviewed)
- Authors
- Wolf P, Arlinghaus M, Kamphues J, Sauer N und Mosenthin R
- Year of publication
- 2012
- Published in
- Übersichten zur Tierernährung
- Band/Volume
- 40/
- Page (from - to)
- 21-64
- Keywords
- digestibility, particle size, Partikellänge, perfomance, Schwein, Verdaulichkeit
As feed costs comprise about two third of total costs in pig production, there is an urgent need to develop strategies aiming to improve feed efficiency. Reduction in feed particle size during milling has been suggested to improve energy and nutrient digestibility without affecting gut health arising from potential negative effects of fine feed particles on gut morphology and microbiology. The most commonly used mechanical device for reducing particle size of feed ingredients in diets for pigs is the hammer mill rather than the roller mill due to its easy handling and broad use for different kinds of feedstuffs. Different methods have been proposed to specify particle size of feed ingredients in greater detail. Traditionally, sieve analyses have been used for the specification of feed particle size, but more recently the so called ‘image analysis method’ has been introduced. This method is based on digital holography and allows for digitizing the surface area of feed particles. Eventually, this approach can be used in the future to better predict the nutritive value of individual feed ingredients. In general, most studies found that the reduction of feed particle size is associated with improved nutrient and energy digestibility and therefore with benefited feed conversion ratio, but with contrary effects regarding feed intake and daily weight gains. However, results between different studies may vary considerably as influenced by the type of assay/feedstuff and/or age and body weight of pigs used in these studies. Moreover, with decreasing feed particles size the energy input for milling feed ingredients increases substantially, whereas the throughput rates decline. Finally, there is growing evidence that the use of coarsely rather than finely ground diets for pigs may reduce the prevalence of stomach ulcers and salmonella infections. In conclusion, as the optimal feed particle size is influenced by a number of determinants, recommendations on “best” particle size in pig diets are case specific.