Performance traits and selected blood constituents of broiler chicks as influenced by early access to feed post-hatch
Mohamed I. Hassan, Ayman M. Khalifah, Mohamed I. El Sabry, Abdallah E. Mohamed, Saber Hassan
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of early access to feed and water post-hatch on broiler chicks’ performance. One hundred and twenty chicks were transferred from the hatchery to the rearing house and randomly divided into two groups. The first group: chicks were immediately access to feed and water (F-time 0). The second group: was held without feed and water for 24 h (F-time 24). Then, feed and water were provided ad-libitum, for both groups until 35 days of age. Results indicated that F-time 0 increased body weight and body weight gain throughout the experimental period. It increased feed intake during all experimental periods except from (22–28 days). Additionally, the F-time 0 enhanced the European production efficiency factor index. The F-time 24, increased red blood cells (RBCs) count, hemoglobin (HGB), and packed cell volume (PCV) percentage after 24 h. However, the F-time 0 had a higher RBCs count, HGB, and PCV at 35 days of age. F-time 24 increased total plasma protein, albumin, cholesterol, and triglycerides, after 24 h. In conclusion, early access to feed and water post-hatch enhances broiler chicks’ performance and productivity and increases producers’ revenue.