THE EFFECTS OF DIETARY MICRONUTRIENT, FAT AND PROTEIN COMPONENTS IN PELLETED FEEDS ON THE INCIDENCE OF SUDDEN DEATH SYNDROME AND OTHER TRAITS AMONG MALE BROILER CHICKENS

Abstract
Three experiments involving 11 600 male broiler chickens sought to determine if the pelleting process affects the dietary micronutrient, fat and protein components to increase the incidence of sudden death syndrome. Processed dietary micronutrient and fat components were not significantly associated with an increase in sudden death syndrome among broiler chickens. In one of the experiments, the incidence of sudden death syndrome was reduced (P < 0.01) when the dietary protein supplements (soybean meal, canola meal and fishmeal) bypassed the pelleting process. Key words: Sudden death syndrome, broiler chickens, feed pelleting, fat, micronutrients, protein supplements