Feed Particle Size as a Factor in Water Consumption and Elimination

A SEARCH of the literature reveals no specific information on the relationships of feed particle size to water consumption and water elimination as measured by moisture content of the droppings. However, it has been widely observed in the field that the feeding of all-mash diets results in wet, sloppy litter in poultry houses and that the feeding of some grain in the diet materially improves this condition. Hoffmann and Tomhave (1944) and Callenbach (1944) reported that grain and mash feeding of growing chicks resulted in a dryer litter condition than all-mash feeding and Morris (1947) observed that dry litter was associated with the feeding of some grain to laying hens as compared to an all-mash or pelleted diet. In comparisons of pelleted and all-mash diets, Hoffmann and Poitevent (1947) found that the feeding of a pelleted mash to broilers reduced the moisture content of the litter, but Morris (1947) reported . . .