Influence of hydrothermic treatment of maize on performance and carcass yield of broilers

The experiment was performed on 1000 one-day-old Hybro broilers divided int o 5 groups. Raw maize was mixed in the diet of the control group, and extru ded maize for the experimental group. Different hydrothermic conditions (te mperature of 100 degrees C or 120 degrees C for 1.5 or 2.5 minutes) were ap plied for the treatment of maize. Extruding contidions (time, temperature) were effective for successful gela tinization of starch and increased amounts of glucose, maltose and maltotri ose, without adverse effects on other nutrients in maize grain. Broilers in the control group had an average daily gain of 27.59 g and a fe ed: gain ratio of 2.51 kg with carcass yield of 64,86%. The inclusion of ex truded maize significantly increased daily gain by 5.1-12.5% and improved f eed: gain ratio by 7.6-13.1% with higher carcass yields by 0.5-3,7%.