DESCRIPTION OF PROBLEM

Feed and feed manufacture represent signifi-cant costs to an integrated poultry company. For more than 40 yr, poultry researchers have consis-tently demonstrated production benefits associ-ated with feeding pellets [1–3]. However, much of this research used broiler models that are very different from today’s modern broiler genetics. The benefits of pelleting extend to the integra-tor and grower alike in providing improved feed flow through bins, improved hygienic quality of feed, decreased ingredient segregation, reduced feed wastage, increased intake, and subsequent live weight gain (LWG) and decreased FCR [1–7]. To obtain these benefits, not only must feed be pelleted, but it must also be pelleted us-ing techniques that result in the production of high-quality pellets. These techniques may ini-tially appear costly; however, the objective of the current experiment was to provide informa-tion concerning the economic benefits of feed-© 2011 Poultry Science Association, Inc. Examining the relationships between pellet quality, broiler performance, and bird se