How new season grain can affect broiler performance

Poultry producers are being advised to take care when including new season grain in broiler diets – because doing so can impact feed conversion and performance.

The variable metabolizable energy content of freshly harvested grain can have a detrimental effect on poultry production, says Elanco technical consultant Alex Sly (below). This means it should be introduced carefully into diets.

The viscous properties of non-starch polysaccharides in fresh grain can slow the passage of feed through the gut and create a favourable environment for harmful bacteria to grow. “Feeding newly harvested grain can be problematic.”

Undigested wheat

Such challenges were noted during the 2023 season while conducting on-farm visits through Elanco’s Health Tracking System. The visits chunks of undigested wheat in the litter and other signs suggesting birds were struggling to adapt.

Grain matures over three to four months in storage – with moisture-dependent biochemical and enzymic changes removing some antinutritive properties. “This can help improves feed conversion rate and dry matter digestibility.”

Ms Sly says improvements in digestibility have significant implications on the timing of grain usage in animal feeds. Understanding this can help to optimise feed strategies and improve animal health and welfare.

“Careful management of raw materials leading up to harvest and even blending of new season crops with older grain is an option but isn’t always possible due to raw material availability and limited storage space at facilities.”

A more practical approach is to increase the level of enzymes to combat anti-nutritional factors and improve nutrient digestibility in diets or to use feed additives to support Intestinal Integrity, says Ms Sly.

“Pre and probiotics can help to maintain a healthy balance of gut bacteria, which can support digestion and nutrient absorption, and help to mitigate any potential negative impacts on gut health from changes in the diet.”