Impact of feed system augering on physical segregation of pelleted feed throughout an entire commercial broiler house

Summary Research utilizing a commercial broiler house demonstrated physical/nutrient feed segregation as feed varying in percent pellets (PP) and manufacturing technique was augered throughout a feed line (FL); these factors impacted bird performance and uniformity. The current objective was to investigate feed flow and segregation of pellets and fines as a bin of feed is augered throughout a commercial feed system. Over 1.5 wks, feed manufactured at a commercial mill was delivered (n=4) to an empty feed bin at a commercial broiler house; feeds averaged 84 PP. Within the house, there were 6 FL (Left and Right for each Front, Middle, and Back line) and on each FL, 3 feed pan locations (FPL; 0, 25, and 50 m) from which samples were obtained. Augering time (AT; n=9; 56 h) was represented by the 6.5 h period between sampling. A FL x FPL interaction demonstrated PP at 0 m was higher for the entire Right FL; at 25 m PP increased for all FL except for Back FL; at 50 m, all PP decreased, with FPL at Right Front and Back FL decreasing by the greatest magnitude. For AT, there were slight fluctuations in PP from AT 1-7 and a stepwise increase occurred from AT 7 – 9; PP was highest at AT 9. Data demonstrates that PP can be affected by AT due to feed segregation within the feed bin. Additionally, beginning PP and mechanical equipment variations among FL may have affected pellet attrition and ultimately physical segregation of feed.