Nutritional metabolic diseases refer to a group of conditions resulting from imbalances in nutrient intake or abnormalities in the body's metabolic processes. These disorders can be caused by either insufficient or excessive levels of certain nutrients, or by issues in how the body absorbs and utilizes them. The first type occurs when animals lack essential nutrients or consume too much of one, while the second arises from disruptions in internal metabolic functions, leading to health problems.
The causes of these diseases typically fall into three categories: 1) inadequate nutrient intake due to poor diet formulation, 2) impaired digestion and absorption, and 3) increased nutrient demands that exceed the animal’s capacity to process them. This article primarily focuses on the first cause, examining the impact of feed particle size—particularly for corn and soybean meal—on animal nutrition and health.
Feed processing plays a critical role in animal nutrition. High-quality feed requires both precise formulation and proper processing techniques. The particle size of ingredients significantly affects feed efficiency, nutritional value, and the prevention of metabolic diseases. For instance, overly coarse particles can reduce nutrient absorption, leading to poor performance and health issues in livestock and poultry.
A survey conducted in Qidong and Haimen cities in Jiangsu Province revealed that many farms use feed with particle sizes far beyond the ideal range. For example, breeder and laying hen feeds had an average grain size of 3.5 mm, with some reaching up to 5.2 mm. Broiler feeds averaged 3.1 mm, while pig feeds were as coarse as 1.3 mm. These large particle sizes are common in the region and have been linked to reduced productivity and the occurrence of nutritional metabolic diseases.
Some broiler farmers used large corn particles in their feed, which led to uneven feather growth, weak legs, and soft tendons in chickens. This was attributed to the birds’ tendency to eat rough materials first, leading to incomplete digestion and lower nutrient absorption. In one case, a farm improved its feed particle size, which quickly resolved the issue and improved chicken performance.
The optimal particle size for feed is determined by the animal’s digestive system and production goals. It should maximize nutrient utilization, improve growth performance, and avoid health risks. Proper particle size enhances enzyme activity, improves digestion, reduces nutrient loss, and minimizes environmental pollution. It also helps in uniform mixing, better pellet quality, and easier handling and storage.
Based on domestic and international research, the recommended particle sizes vary by animal type:
- **Piglets**: The ideal particle size ranges from 0.6 to 1.0 mm, not exceeding 1.5 mm.
- **Growing pigs**: A particle size of 500–600 microns is optimal, with a maximum of 1,000 microns.
- **Sows**: Recommended particle size is 500–600 microns, not more than 1,000 microns.
- **Broilers**: The best size is between 0.8 and 1.1 mm.
- **Laying hens**: Early stages require 0.7–0.8 mm, mid-stage 1.0–1.5 mm, and during laying, 1.5–2.0 mm.
By adjusting feed particle size according to these guidelines, farmers can enhance feed efficiency, improve animal health, and increase overall productivity. It’s clear that attention to feed processing details can make a significant difference in the success of any animal husbandry operation.
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