Effects of pelleted or crumbled diets on the performance and the development of the digestive organs of broilers.

Two types (mash and crumble) of the starter ration (for 0 to 4 weeks of age) and two types (mash and pellets) of the finisher ration (for 4 to 8 weeks of age) were fed to broilers in a 2 X 2 factorial arrangement. Chicks fed the crumbled starter diet gained more weight and consumed more feed (P less than .01). Pelleting the finisher diet also significantly (P less than .01) improved weight gain and feed intake. Feeding the crumble during the starter period significantly (P less than .05) decreased gizzard weight at 4 weeks of age. Pelleting the finisher diet also significantly (P less than .01) reduced weights of the digestive tract and the gizzard at 8 weeks of age, compared to those fed the mash diet.