Effects of low temperature, diet density, and pelleting on the preference of broilers for high fat rations. Poult. Sci

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to determine whether a previously observed pref-erence of broiler chicks for high fat vs. low fat rations would also be noted: 1) under cold condi-tions, 2) when energy and nutrient density are increased, and 3) when the physical texture of test rations is equalized by pelleting. In the first experiment conducted in unheated houses under winter conditions, diets compared were A) low-fat low density, B) high fat-high density, and C) high fat-low density. These were offered in pairs (A vs. B, A vs. C, B vs. C) to broiler chicks 4 to 7 weeks of age. A highly significant preference was shown for the high fat-high density diet over both low density diets and for the high fat-low density over the low fat-low density diet. In the second experiment high fat and low fat rations were presented in either mash or pelleted form. Regardless of physical texture, the high fat diet was again preferred by a highly significant (P<.01) margin. The relative position of feeders had no apparent influence on the pattern of feed consumption