Indicadores internos para determinação do tempo ideal de mistura de rações para frangos de corte

Abstract

Feed homogeneity is one of the main factors associated with the quality of broiler diets, as it directly influences the uniform distribution of nutrients and feed additives. Among the factors affecting this process, mixing time plays a fundamental role in achieving a homogeneous mixture. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the optimal mixing time for broiler diets in a horizontal mixer using mineral matter and manganese (Mn) as internal indicators of feed homogeneity. The experiment was conducted at the Poultry Production and Experimentation Laboratory of the Federal University of Uberlândia (LAPEA/UFU), using a 250-kg horizontal mixer operating at approximately 32 rpm. Feed samples were collected after 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10 minutes of mixing at previously established points inside the mixer for mineral matter determination and manganese analysis. Feed homogeneity was evaluated using the coefficient of variation (CV), and regression analysis was performed to estimate the optimal mixing time. The regression estimated optimal mixing times of 4.84 minutes for manganese and 4.25 minutes for mineral matter, corresponding to the lowest estimated CV values of 1.32% and 2.81%, respectively. The results demonstrated that approximately five minutes of mixing were sufficient to achieve a high degree of feed homogeneity under the experimental conditions, with no additional improvement from longer mixing times. These findings may contribute to the optimization of feed manufacturing processes and to improving quality control in broiler feed production.