Effects of starter feeding time on body growth and viscera development of newly hatched chicks

Abstract

The experiment was conducted to investigate the effects of starter feeding time on body growth and viscera development of newly hatched chicks. A total of 1080 Yangzhou chicks with similar weight derived from 1800 eggs were selected in this experiment. These chicks were randomly assigned to six groups (1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6) according to six feeding schedules (fasting for 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 hours posthatch), with 3 replicates per group and 60 chicks (30 males and 30 females) per replicate. After fasting, all birds were fed a crumbled starter feedstuff ad libitum until 6 days of age. At 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6d posthatch, eight chicks (4 males and 4 females) per replicate of each experimental group were randomly selected and individually weighed. Yolk sac, liver, heart, pancreas, bursal and small intestine of each chick were taken out and weighed; the length of small intestine, moreover, was measured. Results showed that food deprivation reduced body weight (BW) of experimental chicks; furthermore BW decreased more and more with a prolonged fasting time. At 6 d of age, the BW of the former five groups was higher than that of the Group 6 (P<0.05). At the same time, the growth of viscera apparatuses was influenced by different starter feeding times. There was a significant effect of fasting for 72h posthatch on BW, small intestine weight and length, liver, heart, pancreas and bursal weight. The viscera weights of the former three groups (fasting for 12-36h) were, respectively, more than that of latter three groups (fasting for 48-72h) in different ages (P<0.05). Results of the present study demonstrated that the feasible starter feeding time should be within 36h posthatch, and the maximum fasting period could not exceed 60h posthatch. (digiuno per 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72

Prospects ofin ovofeeding and nutrient supplementation for poultry: the science and commercial applications—a review

“…Weight losses of chicks held for 24–48 h were equivalent to lengthening the time taken to reach market age by 1–2 days . The chicks delayed in placement had reduced weight gain at 3 weeks, reduced carcass weight and decreased percentage of carcass grades, and such delay is known to negatively affect subsequent performance in poultry …”

“…The GIT grows more rapidly than the rest of the body in the first few days following hatch and plays a critical role in the early stages of chick growth . Several studies have indicated that delayed feeding negatively affects the development and function of the GIT of broiler chicks and turkey poults …”

“…33 The chicks delayed in placement had reduced weight gain at 3 weeks, reduced carcass weight and decreased percentage of carcass grades, and such delay is known to negatively affect subsequent performance in poultry. 27,37,38 Gut-associated lymphoid tissue activity in the hindgut and development of gut-related cloacal bursae were significantly delayed during the first 2 weeks of life in broiler hatchlings following delayed access to feed. 39 An increased post-hatch holding period can be stressful to chicks owing to potential dehydration and energy depletion.…”

Delayed Post Hatch Feeding Affects Performance, Intestinal Morphology and Expression Pattern of Nutrient Transporter Genes in Egg Type Chickens

“…The gastrointestinal tract grows more rapidly than other body parts in the first few days following hatch and plays a critical role in the early stages of chick growth [5]. The development and function of the gastrointestinal tract (GI) of broiler chicks has been found to be negatively affected by delayed feeding [6][7][8]. Early access to feed and water is responsible for the weight gain, chick's mortality reduction [4,7], immune system improvement and better resistance to disease challenges [9].…”

Diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial para aves

“…O fornecimento de alimento precoce estimula o desenvolvimento do sistema termorregulatório, além do sistema imune e digestório (Van Den Brand et al, 2010) e a quantidade de nutrientes que a ave recebe possui relação direta com o crescimento inicial, (Yang et al, 2009). O peso relativo do proventrículo, moela, intestino delgado, fígado, pâncreas e o comprimento do intestino delgado dos frangos aos 21 dias de idade não foram alterados (P>0,05) pelo fornecimento de diferentes quantidades de ração pré-inicial (Tabela II).…”