Delayed access to feed early post-hatch affects the development and maturation of gastrointestinal tract microbiota in broiler chickens.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The first two weeks of post-hatch (PH) growth in broilers (meat-type birds) are critical for gut development and microbiota colonization. In the current broiler production system, chicks may not receive feed and water for 24 to 72 h due to variations in hatching time and hatchery management. Post-hatch feed delay affects body weight, feed efficiency, mortality, and gut development. The goal of this study was to investigate changes in the microbiome in broiler chickens early PH and the effect of delayed access to feed on the microbiota.

Results

Chicks either received feed and water immediately after hatch or access to feed was delayed for 48 h to mimic commercial hatchery settings (treatment, TRT). Both groups were sampled (n = 6) at -48, 0, 4 h, and 1 (24 h), 2 (4

SUBMITTER: Proszkowiec-Weglarz M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9404604 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Aug

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature