Fiber in Animal Nutrition

41 Fiber related health and welfare topics of 25 weeks. At the age of 28 weeks it was even a reduction by 6%moisture. This trial confirms the observations in broilers. 3.4.2 Feather pecking and cannibalism Mortality caused by cannibalism continues to be a major problem in the layer industry. Up to 20%mortality from cannibalism has been noted in some strains, depending on the production system and management strate- gies. Beside the management, the genetics and the lighting program dietary factors are discussed as a cause for cannibalism. Low protein diets, low sodium intake as well as a lack of some essential amino acids are seen as a cause of cannibalism. More and more trials show the importance of an adequate level of insoluble fiber in the formulations to prevent cannibalism. In a trial at the University of New England in Australia it has been demonstrated that the inclusion of mill run as an insoluble fiber source significantly affected the cannibalism related mortality in layers. During the laying stage themortality in the control group fed the wheat based feed (2.9% fiber) was 29%. By using mill run the mortality was significantly reduced down to 14%. Similar results have been observed byNurlailiwati (2003). Here an insoluble CFC caused a reduction in feather pecking in layers from 10.8% in the control group to 2.9% in the CFC-Group (table 15). Genetic companies like ISA and Lohmann have recognized the importance of insoluble fibers since a long time. ISA (2007) stated in their feeding guidelines: “the presence of insoluble f iber appears indispensable causing an increase in gizzard size, improved starch digestibility and limiting feather pecking…”. It is not yet established why the insolu- ble fiber causes such positive effects on the cannibalism scenario in layers. Harlander- Matauschek et al. (2006) established that birds with a low level of fiber in the feed formulation ingest more feathers than birds with a high level of fiber in the feed. Mo- reover the authors discovered that feathers have the same effect in the intestinal tract as insoluble fiber, which is the acceleration of the intestinal transit period. A logical con- clusion is that the animals ingest the feathers to overcome a deficiency of insoluble fiber. 3.4.3 Satiation and related effects in broiler breeders The impact of insoluble fiber on health and welfare related issues in broiler breeders was well summarized in a review article published from a Hubbard nutritionist (Michard, 2011). He promotes the use of low density diets which can be achieved by diluting the feed formulation with insoluble f iber sources. According to the author internal Hubbard field trials have shown Feather conditions Feather pecking (%) Head + Neck Chest Control 10.8 0.31 1.56 Insoluble CFC* 2.9 0.11 1.21 Table 15: Feather pecking and feather conditions as influenced by an insoluble CFC (Nurlailiwati, 2003) *Arbocel, 0=intact feathering; 5=no feathers left © ERLING Verlag