The effect of different early feeding regimens involving a hydrated nutritious gel on productive performance, immune variables, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens

Abstract

The present research aimed to evaluate the effect of early feeding (EF) with a hydrated nutritious gel (HNG) on productive performance, carcass traits, immune variables, and intestinal morphology of broiler chickens. A total of 490 one-day-old Ross 308 broilers were allotted to 5 EF regimens with 7 replicates each. Treatments were as follows: the group deprived of both feed and water during the first 24 hours post-hatch (control); group fed with 2g HNG/bird in chick box and then with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird immediately after placement (T1); group fed with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird in chick box (T2); group fed with 2g HNG/bird in chick box (T3); and the group fed with 2g HNG + 2g starter feed/bird immediately after placement (T4). The results showed that HNG-treated groups had lower relative yolk sac weight compared to the control group (P < 0.05). During the starter period, T2, T3, and T4 groups had significantly (P < 0.05) higher body weight gain (BWG) and feed intake (FI) than the control group. At 24 d of age, the T2 group had the highest BW, differing significantly from those of the control and T1 groups. During the grower period, the T4 group had higher FI than the control group (P < 0.05). Antibody response against infectious bronchitis virus (IBV) was improved in the T1, T2, and T3 groups (P < 0.05). The highest relative leg weight was found in the T2 group. In conclusion, the HNG administration in chick box and/or immediately after placement had beneficial effects on the health and performance of broiler chickens. Highlights Receiving the nutritious gel resulted in significant increments in yolk sac absorption. Early nutrition with the nutritious gel showed positive effects on weight gain and feed intake during the first 10 d post-hatch. On the 25th day after hatch, gel-receiving groups had higher antibody titers against infectious bronchitis virus as compared to the control group.