components associated with starch granule, dietary concentrations of SDF and IDF
and genetic origin of the birds. Feed processing techniques such as pelleting have variable outcomes on starch digestibility,
depending on the grain type. Pelleting may not be beneficial for starch digestion in cereals containing high levels of soluble
NSP and may even decrease starch digestibility as a result of high feed intake. Pelleting also may resultin further reductions in
particle size and subsequently lead to suboptimal gizzard development and reduced nutrient digestibility. Feed technology
practices which increase gizzard development and feed retention time may be used as strategies to overcome the negative
effects of pelleting andfine particle size on cereal starch digestibility.Whole grain feeding and low level inclusion of structural
components, such as oat hull and wood shavings, may also maintain the gizzard-stimulating effect.