The importance of embryo feeding and early posthatch feeding in broiler chickens

Document Type : Scientific-Extensional Article

Authors

1 M.Sc. Student of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran

2 Associate Professor of Poultry Nutrition, Department of Animal Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture at the University of Tabriz, Tabriz, East Azerbaijan, Iran

Abstract

The benefits of using pre-starter diets have been well proven through various studies. Research has shown that a delay in the time of access to the feed, as often happens in modern poultry farms, leads to a decrease in the performance of chicks in terms of growth, immune system status, digestive enzyme activity, and ultimately a reduction in organ growth. Broiler chickens have attracted due to their rapid growth rate, good feed conversion ratio, and the economic feasibility of their production. Optimal and suitable poultry production, given the increasing demand, can only be achieved by implementing new breeding methods in the shortest possible time. One way to achieve this optimal production is to provide all the nutritional needs of the bird, which must be fulfilled through feed; therefore, a precise understanding of the animal’s requirements is essential. For this reason, preparing a nutritionally balanced ration that meets the bird’s needs according to its age, body growth rate, and body systems is crucial. A bird can only express its maximum genetic potential when, in addition to having favorable environmental and management conditions, it is fed with a balanced diet. After the hatching, a major change occurs in the source of nutrients. Newly hatched chicks must transition from metabolic dependency on lipid-rich yolk (contained in the egg) to utilizing feed that is rich in carbohydrates and proteins from external sources. During the first 48 hours after hatching, the yolk contents contribute to the maintenance and growth of the small intestine. Therefore, in-ovo feeding and early post-hatch feeding have an important role in improving the feed efficiency due to increasing muscle cell number and improving gut development.

Keywords

References

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Professional Journal of Domestic
Volume 25, Issue 2 - Serial Number 33
September 2025
Pages 28-32

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