A total of 936 male chickens and 1008 female Cobb(r) were used from 1 to 45 days old. Treatments consisted of two physical forms (mash and pelleted diets) and two particle sizes ( corn ground through 3.8mm and 7.0mm sieves). The experimental design was completely randomized in a 2 x 2 factorial design (two particle sizes x two physical forms), with six replicates of 39 birds each for males and six replicates of 42 birds each for females. PDI from the pelleted physical form that was produced with 3.8mm grinding showed better results (P≤0.05). Female birds fed pelleted diets had greater feed intake, weight gain and better feed conversion than those fed mash diet. No significant difference (P>0.05) was observed between the treatments for male feed intake, weight gain and feed conversion from 1 to 45 days of age. There was no influence of the physical form and particle size on the feasibility of birds in any phase (P>0.05).
performance; broiler chicken; animal nutrition; pellet
