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V O Sinkalu - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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Combined effects of retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol on diurnal variations in rectal temperature of Black Harco Pullets subjected to heat stress
International Journal of Biometeorology, 2018Co-Authors: V O SinkaluAbstract:The experiment was performed with the aim of determining the effect of co-administration of antioxidant vitamins, retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol on rectal temperature (RT) fluctuations in Pullets during the hot-dry season in Nigeria. Forty-eight Black Harco Pullets, aged 16 weeks and weighing 1.5 ± 0.03 kg were divided by simple random sampling into two groups, consisting of 28 treated and 20 control Black Harco Pullets. The RTs of 28 treated and 20 control Black Harco Pullets were measured hourly for 3 days, 3 days apart, from 06:00 to 19:00 h (GMT + 1) with a standard clinical thermometer. The treated Pullets were administered individually with the vitamins orally in water, while the control Pullets were given only water. The lowest hourly RT of 40.9 ± 0.04 °C was obtained in treated Pullets at 06:00 h, while the highest value of 41.1 ± 0.01 °C was recorded from 17:00 to 19:00 h ( P
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combined effects of retinol ascorbic acid and α tocopherol on diurnal variations in rectal temperature of black harco Pullets subjected to heat stress
International Journal of Biometeorology, 2018Co-Authors: V O SinkaluAbstract:The experiment was performed with the aim of determining the effect of co-administration of antioxidant vitamins, retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol on rectal temperature (RT) fluctuations in Pullets during the hot-dry season in Nigeria. Forty-eight Black Harco Pullets, aged 16 weeks and weighing 1.5 ± 0.03 kg were divided by simple random sampling into two groups, consisting of 28 treated and 20 control Black Harco Pullets. The RTs of 28 treated and 20 control Black Harco Pullets were measured hourly for 3 days, 3 days apart, from 06:00 to 19:00 h (GMT + 1) with a standard clinical thermometer. The treated Pullets were administered individually with the vitamins orally in water, while the control Pullets were given only water. The lowest hourly RT of 40.9 ± 0.04 °C was obtained in treated Pullets at 06:00 h, while the highest value of 41.1 ± 0.01 °C was recorded from 17:00 to 19:00 h (P < 0.001). In control Pullets, the RT rose significantly from 41.0 ± 0.03 °C at 06:00 h to the maximum value of 41.6 ± 0.04 °C at 15:00 h (P < 0.001). The Pullets co-administered with retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol had consistently lower RT values than those of control Pullets, especially during the hot hours of the day, from 13:00 to 17:00 h. It is concluded that co-administration of retinol, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol, by preventing a rise in body temperature, ameliorated heat stress, and may enhance productivity of Pullets reared under unfavourable, thermal environment conditions.
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effects of ascorbic acid on diurnal variations in rectal temperature of shaver brown Pullets during the hot dry season
International Journal of Poultry Science, 2007Co-Authors: V O SinkaluAbstract:Experiments were performed with the aims of determining the fluctuation in rectal temperature (RT) of Shaver Brown Pullets and the effect of vitamin C or Ascorbic Acid (AA) administration on the fluctuation during the hot-dry season in the Northern Guinea Savannah zone of Nigeria. The RT of 25 experimental and 25 control Pullets were measured every hour from 06:00 to 19:00 hours for three days, three days apart, with a standard clinical thermometer. The experimental Pullets were individually administered orally with AA in drinking water at the dose of 52 mg kg dissolved in sterile water, while the control Pullets were given only 1 normal water, without AA addition. In experimental Pullets, the lowest hourly RT of 41.0±0.1°C was obtained at 06:00 hours, while the highest value of 41.6±0.0°C was recorded at 14:00 and 15:00 hours (p 0.05); but in control Pullets, the relationship was positive and significant (r = 0.655, p<0.05). The Pullets administered with AA had consistently lower RT values than those of control Pullets. It i s concluded that AA administration, by modulating the body temperature of Pullets during the hot hours of the day, ameliorated the thermally stressful effect of the hot-dry season. This mechanism may be partl y responsible for AA-induced enhancement of productivity and health of Pullets during the season.
G G Mateos - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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inclusion of fiber in diets for brown egg laying Pullets effects on growth performance and digestive tract traits from hatching to 17 weeks of age
Poultry Science, 2015Co-Authors: P Guzman, B Saldana, M V Kimiaeitalab, J Garcia, G G MateosAbstract:We investigated the effects of fiber inclusion in the diet on growth performance and digestive traits in Pullets from hatching to 17 wk of age. The control diets of the 3 feeding periods (0 to 5 wk, 5 to 10 wk, and 10 to 17 wk) were based on corn and soybean meal and did not include any additional fiber source. The experimental diets included 2 or 4% of cereal straw or sugar beet pulp (SBP) at the expense (wt:wt) of the control diet. From 0 to 5 wk of age, fiber inclusion did not affect pullet performance. From hatch to 17 wk of age, the inclusion of straw had little effect on pullet performance but the inclusion of 4% SBP reduced (ADG) (P < 0.05) and reduced feed conversion ratio (FCR; P < 0.001). Pullets fed straw had greater ADG (P < 0.05) and better energy conversion ratio (P < 0.01) than Pullets fed SBP. An increase in fiber from 2 to 4% reduced FCR (P < 0.05). Body weight uniformity was not affected by diet. Fiber inclusion increased the relative weight (% BW) of the gizzard at 5 wk (P = 0.056) and 10 wk (P < 0.01) of age, but no differences were detected between fiber sources. At same ages, the relative length (cm/kg BW) of the Pullets (P = 0.058 and P < 0.01, respectively) and tarsus (P = 0.079 and P < 0.05, respectively) was higher in Pullets fed SBP than in Pullets fed straw. Fiber inclusion, however, did not affect any of these traits at 17 wk of age. In summary, the inclusion of 2% straw at the expense (wt:wt) of the whole diet did not affect pullet performance at 17 wk of age. An increase in the level of straw from 2 to 4% reduced FCR but did not affect ADG. The inclusion of SBP, however, reduced pullet growth, with effects being more pronounced at the higher level.
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feed form and energy concentration of the diet affect growth performance and digestive tract traits of brown egg laying Pullets from hatching to 17 weeks of age
Poultry Science, 2015Co-Authors: B Saldana, P Guzman, J Garcia, L Camara, G G MateosAbstract:: The influence of feed form and energy concentration of the diet on growth performance and the development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) was studied in brown-egg laying Pullets. Diets formed a 2 x 5 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. crumbles) and 5 levels of energy differing in 50 kcal AMEn/kg. For the entire study (0 to 17 wk of age) feeding crumbles increased ADFI (52.9 vs. 49.7 g; P 0.05) by energy content of the diet. At 5, 10, and 17 wk of age, the relative weight (RW, % BW) of the GIT and the gizzard, and gizzard digesta content were lower (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) and gizzard pH was higher (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001) in Pullets fed crumbles than in Pullets fed mash. Energy concentration of the diet did not affect any of the GIT variables studied. In summary, feeding crumbles improved pullet performance and reduced the RW of the GIT and gizzard, and increased gizzard pH at all ages. An increase in the energy content of the diet improved FCR from 0 to 17 wk of age. The use of crumbles and the increase in the AMEn content of the diet might be used adventageously when the objetive is to increase the BW of the Pullets. However, crumbles affected the development and weight of the organs of the GIT, which might have negative effects on feed intake and egg production at the beginning of the egg laying cycle.
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productive performance of brown egg laying Pullets from hatching to 5 weeks of age as affected by fiber inclusion feed form and energy concentration of the diet1
Poultry Science, 2015Co-Authors: P Guzman, B Saldana, R Lazaro, H A Mandalawi, A Perezbonilla, G G MateosAbstract:The effects of fiber inclusion, feed form, and energy concentration of the diet on the growth performance of Pullets from hatching to 5 wk age were studied in 2 experiments. In Experiment 1, there was a control diet based on cereals and soybean meal, and 6 extra diets that included 2 or 4% of cereal straw, sugar beet pulp (SBP), or sunflower hulls (SFHs) at the expense (wt/wt) of the whole control diet. From hatching to 5 wk age fiber inclusion increased (P < 0.05) ADG and ADFI, and improved (P < 0.05) energy efficiency (EnE; kcal AMEn/g ADG), but body weight (BW) uniformity was not affected. Pullets fed SFH tended to have higher ADG than Pullets fed SBP (P = 0.072) with Pullets fed straw being intermediate. The feed conversion ratio (FCR) was better (P < 0.05) with 2% than with 4% fiber inclusion. In Experiment 2, 10 diets were arranged as a 2×5 factorial with 2 feed forms (mash vs. crumbles) and 5 levels of AMEn (2,850, 2,900, 2,950, 3,000, and 3,050 kcal/kg). Pullets fed crumbles were heavier and had better FCR than Pullets fed mash (P < 0.001). An increase in the energy content of the crumble diets reduced ADFI and improved FCR linearly, but no effects were detected with the mash diets (P < 0.01 and P < 0.05 for the interactions). Feeding crumbles tended to improve BW uniformity at 5 wk age (P = 0.077) but no effects were detected with increases in energy concentration of the diet. In summary, the inclusion of moderate amounts of fiber in the diet improves pullet performance from hatching to 5 wk age. The response of Pullets to increases in energy content of the diet depends on feed form with a decrease in feed intake when fed crumbles but no changes when fed mash. Feeding crumbles might be preferred to feeding mash in Pullets from hatching to 5 wk age.
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influence of the main cereal in the diet and particle size of the cereal on productive performance and digestive traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2011Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, E Jimenezmoreno, R Lazaro, G G MateosAbstract:A total of 864 brown-egg laying Pullets was used to study the effects of the main cereal of the diet (500 g maize or wheat/kg) and particle size of the cereal (hammer milled to pass through a 6-, 8-, and 10-mm screen) on growth performance and digestive traits from 1 to 120 d of age. Each of the six treatments was replicated six times (24 Pullets per replicate). Type of cereal did not affect pullet performance at any age. From 1 to 45 d of age, body weight (BW) gain was increased (P<0.001) and feed conversion ratio was improved (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal was reduced, but no effects were observed after this age. At 45 d of age, Pullets fed maize tended (P<0.10) to have a heavier relative weight (RW, g/kg BW) of the total digestive tract and proventriculi and a higher relative length (RL, cm/kg BW) of the small intestines (SI) than Pullets fed wheat. Also at this age, the RW of the digestive tract increased (P<0.05) with increases in the particle size of the cereal. At 120 d of age, dietary treatment did not affect the RW of any of the organs studied or gizzard pH but the RL of the SI was higher (P<0.05) for Pullets fed wheat than for Pullets fed maize. Also, the RL of the SI was reduced (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal increased. We conclude that 500 g wheat/kg can be included in pullet feeds from 1 to 120 d of age, and that particle size of the cereal affects pullet performance during the first 45 d of life but not thereafter. Therefore, it is recommended to grind the cereal used in this period with a screen size of no more than 8 mm.
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influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Poultry Science, 2009Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, X Arbe, G G MateosAbstract:The influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits was studied in 576 brown-egg laying Pullets from 1 to 120 d of age. From 1 to 45 d of age, 4 diets arranged factorially with 2 cereals (corn vs. wheat) and 2 feed forms (mash vs. pellets) were used. Each treatment was replicated 6 times (24 Pullets per replicate). From 46 to 120 d of age, all diets were offered in mash form and the only difference among diets was the cereal used. Cumulatively, Pullets fed the corn diets had higher BW gain (P < 0.05) but similar feed conversion ratio as Pullets fed the wheat diets. From 1 to 45 d of age, Pullets fed pellets consumed more feed (P < 0.001) and had higher BW gain (P < 0.001) than those fed mash. Most of the beneficial effects of pelleting on productive performance were still evident at 120 d of age. At 45 d of age, gizzard weight (g/kg of BW) was higher (P < 0.01) in Pullets fed corn than in Pullets fed wheat diets. Feeding pellets reduced the relative weight of the digestive tract and the gizzard (P < 0.001) as well as the length (cm/kg of BW) of the small intestine (P < 0.01) at both ages. The pH of gizzard contents at 120 d of age was not affected by cereal but was lower in Pullets that were fed mash from 1 to 45 d of age (P < 0.01). We conclude that wheat can be used in substitution of corn in pullet diets with only a slight reduction in BW gain and that feeding pellets from 1 to 45 d of age increased BW gain and pH of the gizzard and reduced the relative weight of the gizzard and the length of the gastrointestinal tract at 120 d of age.
M Frikha - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of the main cereal in the diet and particle size of the cereal on productive performance and digestive traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2011Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, E Jimenezmoreno, R Lazaro, G G MateosAbstract:A total of 864 brown-egg laying Pullets was used to study the effects of the main cereal of the diet (500 g maize or wheat/kg) and particle size of the cereal (hammer milled to pass through a 6-, 8-, and 10-mm screen) on growth performance and digestive traits from 1 to 120 d of age. Each of the six treatments was replicated six times (24 Pullets per replicate). Type of cereal did not affect pullet performance at any age. From 1 to 45 d of age, body weight (BW) gain was increased (P<0.001) and feed conversion ratio was improved (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal was reduced, but no effects were observed after this age. At 45 d of age, Pullets fed maize tended (P<0.10) to have a heavier relative weight (RW, g/kg BW) of the total digestive tract and proventriculi and a higher relative length (RL, cm/kg BW) of the small intestines (SI) than Pullets fed wheat. Also at this age, the RW of the digestive tract increased (P<0.05) with increases in the particle size of the cereal. At 120 d of age, dietary treatment did not affect the RW of any of the organs studied or gizzard pH but the RL of the SI was higher (P<0.05) for Pullets fed wheat than for Pullets fed maize. Also, the RL of the SI was reduced (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal increased. We conclude that 500 g wheat/kg can be included in pullet feeds from 1 to 120 d of age, and that particle size of the cereal affects pullet performance during the first 45 d of life but not thereafter. Therefore, it is recommended to grind the cereal used in this period with a screen size of no more than 8 mm.
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influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Poultry Science, 2009Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, X Arbe, G G MateosAbstract:The influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits was studied in 576 brown-egg laying Pullets from 1 to 120 d of age. From 1 to 45 d of age, 4 diets arranged factorially with 2 cereals (corn vs. wheat) and 2 feed forms (mash vs. pellets) were used. Each treatment was replicated 6 times (24 Pullets per replicate). From 46 to 120 d of age, all diets were offered in mash form and the only difference among diets was the cereal used. Cumulatively, Pullets fed the corn diets had higher BW gain (P < 0.05) but similar feed conversion ratio as Pullets fed the wheat diets. From 1 to 45 d of age, Pullets fed pellets consumed more feed (P < 0.001) and had higher BW gain (P < 0.001) than those fed mash. Most of the beneficial effects of pelleting on productive performance were still evident at 120 d of age. At 45 d of age, gizzard weight (g/kg of BW) was higher (P < 0.01) in Pullets fed corn than in Pullets fed wheat diets. Feeding pellets reduced the relative weight of the digestive tract and the gizzard (P < 0.001) as well as the length (cm/kg of BW) of the small intestine (P < 0.01) at both ages. The pH of gizzard contents at 120 d of age was not affected by cereal but was lower in Pullets that were fed mash from 1 to 45 d of age (P < 0.01). We conclude that wheat can be used in substitution of corn in pullet diets with only a slight reduction in BW gain and that feeding pellets from 1 to 45 d of age increased BW gain and pH of the gizzard and reduced the relative weight of the gizzard and the length of the gastrointestinal tract at 120 d of age.
J V Craig - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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selection and beak trimming effects on behavior cannibalism and short term production traits in white leghorn Pullets
Poultry Science, 1991Co-Authors: J V Craig, William M MuirAbstract:Abstract Pallets of stocks derived from the North Central Randombred White Leghorn population without selection (C) or selected (S) on family performance when kept with beaks intact in multiple-hen cages were compared. Pullets had intact, one-fourth, or one-half of the beak removed (IN, 1/4R, and 1/2R, respectively). No stock differences were detected for behavior traits or other measures during the rearing period. However, beak-trimmed Pullets were more inactive and feeding behavior was depressed in 1/2R Pullets 1 wk after beak trimming. At 16 wk, 1/4R Pullets' beaks had regrown but 1/2R Pullets' beaks continued to be shorter than IN Pullets' beaks. No differences in fearfulness were found between genetic stocks or among beak length treatments early in the laying period. Deaths from beak-inflicted injuries accumulated steadily from 18 wk until the study was ended at 40 wk. Cannibalistic deaths occurred less frequently in S as compared with C Pullets within each beak treatment. As the amount of beak removal increased, beak-inflicted mortality decreased. The S Pullets had earlier sexual maturity, lighter egg weights, and greater hen-housed egg production and egg mass than C Pullets, and 1/2R Pullets had greater egg production than 1/4R and IN Pullets. Genetic stock by age and beak treatment by age interactions were present for hen-housed production and egg mass, and the interactions appeared to result primarily from increased mortality from cannibalistic pecking with increased age.
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beak trimming effects on behavior patterns fearfulness feathering and mortality among three stocks of white leghorn Pullets in cages or floor pens
Poultry Science, 1991Co-Authors: J V CraigAbstract:Abstract White Leghorn Pullets of the Y1, Y2, and North Central Randombred (NCR) experimental stocks were used. Half of the birds of each stock had half of the upper and less of the lower mandible removed at 4 wk of age by making a V-shaped cut as viewed from the side (BT), whereas the other half retained their beaks intact (IN). Pullets were moved from growing pens to a layer house at 18 wk of age. Seventy-two cages and 30 floor pens were filled with 6 and 20 birds per unit, respectively. Pullets within a cage or floor pen were all of the same genetic stock and beak treatment. All measurements were performed within 10 wk after housing, except for mortality in cages. When kept in cages, genetic stocks did not show behavioral differences. However, in floor pens, stock differences were detected in feeding, crouching, and nonaggressive pecking. When kept in cages, the stocks also differed in 24-wk body weight, weight gain from 18 to 24 wk, and certain measures of fearfulness in both cages and pens, and in feather condition at 21 and 22 wk. Mortality from cannibalism and hen-days survival of caged IN Pullets differed among genetic stocks. Mortality from cannibalism was absent among Pullets kept in experimental floor pens. In cages, BT Pullets were less active, gained less weight, and had lower incidence of cannibalism than IN Pullets. Also, BT Pullets were less nervous and had better feather condition than IN Pullets. However, trimming beaks to prevent cannibalism was less effective in NCR Pullets than in Y1 or Y2 Pullets. In floor pens, BT Pullets showed less activity and reduced feeding frequency and less fearfulness as indicated by duration of induced tonic immobility. Agonistic behaviors were not different between BT and IN Pullets. From these results, beak trimming could be interpreted as having either stressful or stress-alleviating effects, depending on the criteria used. However, proper beak trimming appears beneficial when cannibalistic pecking is likely to be a problem. The relative benefits of beak trimming vary among genetic stocks.
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beak trimming effects on the behavior and weight gain of floor reared egg strain Pullets from three genetic stocks during the rearing period
Poultry Science, 1990Co-Authors: J V CraigAbstract:Abstract At 4 wk of age, White Leghorn Pullets from three genetic stocks were divided equally into two groups for beak treatment. One group had half of the upper mandible and less of the lower mandible removed. For Pullets in the other group, the beaks were kept intact. Chicks of the six combinations of stock and beak treatments were kept separately in two pens each. A sample of Pullets from each of the 12 pens was marked, observed, and then weighed on Days 1, 7, 14, and 21 after beak-trimming and at 16 or 18 wk of age. The amount of feed consumed per pen was determined weekly from 4 to 7 wk. The stocks differed in terms of the percentage of time spent standing and crouching. The beak-trimmed Pullets pecked less at the feed, delivered fewer pecks of all kinds, stood and crouched more, and showed more comfort activity than the birds with beaks intact. The Pullets with the trimmed beaks gained 90% as much weight as intact-beak Pullets during the first 3 wk after treatment and used 88% as much feed. During the 1st wk after the beak treatment, the relative weight gains and amount of feed consumed were even less for the beak-trimmed birds. However, by 18 wk of age, there was no difference in BW between the two groups of Pullets. Interactions for beak treatment by age were found generally in both behavioral and performance traits. The initial differences between the beak-trimmed and intact-beak Pullets tended to diminish with age. No differences were present at 16 or 18 wk of age, except for a continued lower frequency of litter-pecking by the beak-trimmed Pullets.
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beak trimming and genetic stock effects on behavior and mortality from cannibalism in white leghorn type Pullets
Applied Animal Behaviour Science, 1990Co-Authors: J V CraigAbstract:Abstract Removal of half of the upper and less of the lower beak of pullet chicks at 4 weeks of age resulted in less pecking at feed, fewer non-agonistic pecks of all kinds, less moving and preening, and more inactive standing and crouching during the following 3 weeks. Escape and avoidance behavior did not differ for 8–9-week-old, intact-beak and trimmed-beak Pullets. Body weights, used as indirect indicators of feed intake, were initially suppressed following beak treatment, but trimmed-beak Pullets were only marginally lighter by 27 weeks of age. Beak length measures taken 3 months after beak trimming indicated that regrowth had not occurred. Beak trimming was highly beneficial in reducing beak-inflicted feather loss and mortality from cannibalistic pecking in two of three commercial genetic stocks. Pullets of the third stock suffered no greater feather loss when their beaks were left intact than when they were trimmed, and mortality from cannibalistic pecking was essentially absent in this stock, regardless of beak treatment. These results indicate that either no beak trimming or less severe beak trimming is a practical possibility for poultry producers, as soon as appropriate genetic stocks are identified.
M P Serrano - One of the best experts on this subject based on the ideXlab platform.
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influence of the main cereal in the diet and particle size of the cereal on productive performance and digestive traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Animal Feed Science and Technology, 2011Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, E Jimenezmoreno, R Lazaro, G G MateosAbstract:A total of 864 brown-egg laying Pullets was used to study the effects of the main cereal of the diet (500 g maize or wheat/kg) and particle size of the cereal (hammer milled to pass through a 6-, 8-, and 10-mm screen) on growth performance and digestive traits from 1 to 120 d of age. Each of the six treatments was replicated six times (24 Pullets per replicate). Type of cereal did not affect pullet performance at any age. From 1 to 45 d of age, body weight (BW) gain was increased (P<0.001) and feed conversion ratio was improved (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal was reduced, but no effects were observed after this age. At 45 d of age, Pullets fed maize tended (P<0.10) to have a heavier relative weight (RW, g/kg BW) of the total digestive tract and proventriculi and a higher relative length (RL, cm/kg BW) of the small intestines (SI) than Pullets fed wheat. Also at this age, the RW of the digestive tract increased (P<0.05) with increases in the particle size of the cereal. At 120 d of age, dietary treatment did not affect the RW of any of the organs studied or gizzard pH but the RL of the SI was higher (P<0.05) for Pullets fed wheat than for Pullets fed maize. Also, the RL of the SI was reduced (P<0.05) as the particle size of the cereal increased. We conclude that 500 g wheat/kg can be included in pullet feeds from 1 to 120 d of age, and that particle size of the cereal affects pullet performance during the first 45 d of life but not thereafter. Therefore, it is recommended to grind the cereal used in this period with a screen size of no more than 8 mm.
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influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits of brown egg laying Pullets
Poultry Science, 2009Co-Authors: M Frikha, H M Safaa, M P Serrano, X Arbe, G G MateosAbstract:The influence of the main cereal and feed form of the diet on performance and digestive tract traits was studied in 576 brown-egg laying Pullets from 1 to 120 d of age. From 1 to 45 d of age, 4 diets arranged factorially with 2 cereals (corn vs. wheat) and 2 feed forms (mash vs. pellets) were used. Each treatment was replicated 6 times (24 Pullets per replicate). From 46 to 120 d of age, all diets were offered in mash form and the only difference among diets was the cereal used. Cumulatively, Pullets fed the corn diets had higher BW gain (P < 0.05) but similar feed conversion ratio as Pullets fed the wheat diets. From 1 to 45 d of age, Pullets fed pellets consumed more feed (P < 0.001) and had higher BW gain (P < 0.001) than those fed mash. Most of the beneficial effects of pelleting on productive performance were still evident at 120 d of age. At 45 d of age, gizzard weight (g/kg of BW) was higher (P < 0.01) in Pullets fed corn than in Pullets fed wheat diets. Feeding pellets reduced the relative weight of the digestive tract and the gizzard (P < 0.001) as well as the length (cm/kg of BW) of the small intestine (P < 0.01) at both ages. The pH of gizzard contents at 120 d of age was not affected by cereal but was lower in Pullets that were fed mash from 1 to 45 d of age (P < 0.01). We conclude that wheat can be used in substitution of corn in pullet diets with only a slight reduction in BW gain and that feeding pellets from 1 to 45 d of age increased BW gain and pH of the gizzard and reduced the relative weight of the gizzard and the length of the gastrointestinal tract at 120 d of age.
