Effect of feed homogeneity on flock uniformity
As genetic potential sets the upper limit for performance
the expected variation will decrease when actual performance
gets closer to this limit and the further away
the actual performance is from the genetic potential the
higher the variation can be expected. Thus, all nutrients
should be present in sufficient quantities to cover requirements
for optimal growth. As variation in nutrient intake
can occur due to inconsistent feed composition caused by
poor dosing accuracy or incomplete mixing of feed ingredients,
it is likely that these two factors affect performance
of broilers. However, there are not many studies
exploring this effect of feed homogeneity on broiler performance
and flock homogeneity, but the few studies that
have been conducted clearly show an effect of poor feed
homogeneity on performance. Ci ci and Ercan (2003)
showed how improved feed homogeneity reduced the
variation of slaughter weight in female and male broilers
(Figure 1), and Duncan (1989) reported lower performance
in broiler starters when feed homogeneity was
decreased (Table 1).