INTRODUCTION
Modern broilers have genetically selected for improved feed conversion ratio and rapid growth rate.
Today’s fast growing broiler chickens can reach 2 kg body weight within 35 days, consuming only 3 kg
feed [8]. This rapid rate of growth is due to high feed intake rather than increased nutrient digestibility
[15]. Thus, increased feed intake is perhaps the single most important factor determining feed efficiency
for broilers [2]. Optimal feed intake is dependent on a number of factors such as environmental
temperature, nutrient density, and physical feed quality. The later is considered to have a very
significant impact on broiler growth [13]. It is well documented that feed represents the major cost of
poultry production, constituting up to 70% of the total cost. However, the cost of feed processing
represents a significant portion of feed costs and likely gives the greatest opportunity for influencing
broiler performance beyond nutritional adequacy [6]. Using of different techniques of feed processing e.
g. extrusion, milling and pelleting is depending on facility and purpose of production. The physical form
of feed (mash, pellet and crumble) is a key factor in meat yield of broiler. Mash is a finely ground and
mixed feed that gives greater unification of growth and is more economical. However, ground feed is
not so palatable and does not retain its nutritive value so well as ungrounded feed [14]. Pellet system of
feeding consists of mechanically pressing the mash into hard dry pellets. It is generally accepted that
the feeding of pellets improves broiler growth rate compared to mash [9, 17]. Reasons for the enhanced
performance may be due to decreased ingredient segregation, increased digestibility, reduction of
energy during prehension, less time and energy expended for prehension, destruction of pathogenic
organisms, thermal modification of starch and protein and increased palatability [4,5], However,
feeding pelleted rations is not enough to ensure enhanced performance of poultry [13]. The quality of
pellets must be taken into account also [7]. Crumble also is a type of feed prepared at the feed mill by
pelleting of the mixed ingredients and then crushing the pellet to a consistency coarser than mash.
Recently this form of feed has become popular in broiler production due to its convenience of feeding
[9]. The objective of the present study was to investigate the effect of pellet and mash diets on the
broiler chicks’ performance and carcass characteristics.