Understanding Particle Size in Poultry Diets: Insights from Dr. Birger Svihus

Inspired by Episode 27 of The Poultry Nutritiotn Blackbelt Podcast with Dr. Birger Svihus

Introduction

Welcome to another insightful episode of The Poultry Nutrition Blackbelt podcast. In this episode, we had the pleasure of hosting Dr. Birger Svihus from the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, a renowned expert in poultry nutrition. Our discussion delved into an often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of poultry diets: particle size.

The Importance of Particle Size

Dr. Svihus emphasized that particle size in poultry diets is more than just a processing characteristic; it's integral to the overall quality of the feed. It's essential to understand that the particle size dictates two key aspects of broiler feed: the microstructure and the macrostructure. While the microstructure relates to the stability and stimulation of digestion, the macrostructure significantly influences feed intake.

Insights on Microstructure and Macrostructure

The microstructure of the pellet, which includes the size of the individual particles within, plays a vital role in digestibility and nutrient absorption. On the other hand, the macrostructure, encompassing the pellet's overall size and the amount of fines, predominantly affects the feed intake. Dr. Svihus's research sheds light on the preferences of birds at various life stages, challenging some common assumptions about particle size.

Breaking Myths and Setting New Standards

One of the surprising revelations from Dr. Svihus's research was the preference of broiler chickens for larger particles. Contrary to common belief, even young chicks showed a significant preference for particles nearly five millimeters in size. This finding not only challenges existing norms but also opens up opportunities for more cost-effective feed formulations.

Practical Implications and Recommendations

Dr. Svihus suggested that using larger particles can be more economical while preserving the feed's microstructure. He addressed concerns about feed wastage, noting that his experiments showed no signs of increased waste with larger particles. Additionally, he highlighted the importance of balancing pellet hardness with size.

The Takeaway: Go Larger

The key message from this episode is clear: when it comes to particle size in poultry diets, bigger can be better. This approach not only aligns with the natural preferences of the birds but also offers potential cost savings and efficiency improvements in feed production.

Closing Thoughts

We wrapped up the episode with some lighter moments, discussing Dr. Svihus's preferences in various fun categories and his choice of a companion in a hypothetical zombie apocalypse. His pick? Gonzalo Gonzales from Spain, for his optimism and competence.

In conclusion, this episode with Dr. Birger Svihus offered valuable insights into the often underexplored aspect of particle size in poultry diets. His research encourages us to rethink our approaches and adapt to the natural preferences of poultry, paving the way for more efficient and effective nutrition strategies.