Overall (day 0–101), linear particle
size
×
diet form interactions were observed (P < 0.05) for average daily feed intake (ADFI)
and gain:feed ratio (G:F), because ADFI decreased and G:F increased as particle size was
reduced for pigs fed meal diets but was unchanged for pigs fed pelleted diets. Pigs fed pelleted
diets had increased (P < 0.05) average daily gain (ADG) compared with pigs fed meal
diets. As corn particle size decreased, ADG decreased (linear; P < 0.05). Pigs fed pelleted
diets had increased (P < 0.05) hot carcass weight compared with pigs fed meal diets, but no
other effects on carcass characteristics were observed. In summary, grinding corn finer than
650 m decreased ADFI and improved G:F for pigs fed meal diets, but did not affect performance
of pigs fed pelleted diets. Pigs fed pelleted diets had improved ADG compared with
those fed meal-based diets. Thus, grinding corn finer than 650 m improved feed efficiency
for pigs fed meal diets, but provided no benefit in pelleted diets