❓Why does particle size matter in poultry nutrition?
➡️ In poultry production, we often focus on nutrients, but feed structure — especially particle size and particle size distribution — has a direct impact on gastrointestinal function.
🌾 1. Fine grinding is not always better
Fine grinding can improve digestion, but when excessive it accelerates passage rate, reduces gizzard activity, and increases digestive pH, compromising efficiency and favouring intestinal disturbances.
🐓 2. The gizzard is key to digestive efficiency
The gizzard is the main mechanical organ of the digestive system: it grinds, mixes, and regulates feed flow. Diets containing coarser particles or structural components stimulate gizzard development and increase retention time, improving the action of acid and digestive enzymes before the feed reaches the intestine.
🧫 3. Fine particles can increase digestive risk
A high proportion of fine particles reduces the “work” of the gizzard. Feed passes more rapidly and reaches the intestine less digested, increasing the risk of microbial imbalances.
⚖️ 4. Balance and uniformity are essential
A coarser particle size distribution, within appropriate limits (60–70% of particles between 1 and 2.5 mm), improves retention, motility, and nutrient utilisation, while creating a more selective digestive environment against undesirable bacteria.
🌿 5. Insoluble fibre supports gut functionality
Insoluble, coarse fibre acts as a key mechanical stimulus for the gizzard, helping to maintain digestive functionality and intestinal stability.
⚠️ 6. Too many coarse particles can also be a problem
An excess of very coarse particles may induce selective feeding and reduce intake, especially when the mix is not homogeneous. Therefore, uniformity is just as important as average particle size.
💡Takeaway:
Adjusting particle size and particle size uniformity, together with the inclusion of insoluble fibre, strengthens the gizzard, regulates digesta passage, and improves microbial stability, thereby reducing the risk of enteric problems.
✍️ Author: Juan Valle Diez, Global Technical Manager – Nutrition
www.lohmann-breeders.com