Steam pelleting temperature of sorghum-based broiler diets

Summary

The primary purpose of this project is to define the optimal steam-pelleting temperatures for sorghum-based broiler diets and the likelihood is that they are lower than those presently applied in practice. However, there are two additional aspects that require consideration in such an investigation and these are grain particle size and the inclusion of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets.

Program

Chicken Meat

Research Organisation

The University of Sydney

Objective Summary

Because the likelihood is that steam-pelleting temperatures presently applied are excessive and compromise broiler growth performance, the primary purpose of this project is to define the optimal steam-pelleting temperatures for sorghum-based broiler diets. Also, it should be possible to elucidate the underlying mechanisms whereby excessive pelleting temperatures depress growth performance and nutrient utilisation. Grain particle size and the inclusion of exogenous enzymes in broiler diets almost certainly interact with steam-pelleting temperatures and these two factors will be taken into consideration. Effectively, the outcome of this project may be a recommendation to reduce steam-pelleting temperatures in order to enhance broiler growth performance. This recommendation could be adopted readily in practice and would tend to reduce manufacturing costs. However, more conservative steam-pelleting temperatures may mean that other issues will need to be addressed. These could include (i) alternative means to improve pellet quality and durability and (ii) alternative measures to reduce Salmonella contamination.