The influence of fibre content and physical texture of the diet on the performance of broilers in the tropics

Abstract

1. Performance from 1 to 56 d and some aspects of gut morphology were examined in broilers fed on five nutritionally similar diets in mash or pellet form varying in acid‐detergent fibre content from 50 to 100 g/kg.

2. Dietary fibre and physical form did not significantly affect food consumption. Growth and food utilisation improved with pelleting and decreased with increasing fibre content. The interaction between fibre and physical form was also significant.

3. At similar food intakes, high fibre contents increased relative length and weight of the intestine and caeca. Gizzards were heavier in broilers fed on four of the five mash diets.