Beneficial Effect of Reducing the Feed Residence Time in a Field Problem of Suspected Moldy Feed

A field problem presented itself on a farm with two broiler chicken houses identical in age, construction, and management; yet one house constantly had a higher cost of meat production. On the premise that the problem was caused by moldy feed, the mean residence time of the feed in a house was decreased by halving the amount of feed per delivery. It was hypothesized that the shorter residence time would reduce fungal activity by reducing the time available for such activity. A cross-over experimental design revealed that the “bad house” was converted into a “good house” when the mean residence time was reduced. Calculation showed a cost differential of $.00641/kg of meat in favor of a shorter residence time after correction for the added cost of feed delivery. The cost reduction was associated with improved body weight and feed conversion.