Broiler Breeder Age Research Articles

Effect of Broiler Breeders Age of ROSS 308 on Eggshell Conductance throughout Production Period

Effect of Broiler Breeders Age of ROSS 308 on Eggshell Conductance throughout Production Period

Significance of successive feeding of sources of n-3 fatty acids to broiler breeders and their progeny on growth performance, intestinal lesion scores, lymphoid organs weight and plasma immunoglobulin A in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria

The study examined the effects of successive feeding of sources of n-3 PUFA to broiler breeders (BB) and their progeny in broiler chickens challenged with Eimeria. The BB were fed: 1) control (CON), corn-soybean meal diet, 2) CON + 1 % microalgae (DMA), as a source of DHA and 3) CON + 2.50% co-extruded full fat flaxseed (FFF), as a source of ALA. Eggs were hatched at 34, 44, and 54 wk of age. Posthatch treatments (BB-progeny) were: CON-CON, DMA-CON, FFF-CON, DMA-DMA and FFF-FFF with diets formulated for starter (d 1-10) and grower/finisher (d 11-42) phases. All chicks were orally challenged with Eimeria (E. acervulina and E. maxima) on d 10. Relative to CON, DMA and FFF increased concentration of n-3 PUFA by ≥ 2-fold in hatching eggs and progeny diets. There were no (P > 0.05) interactions between treatment and BB age on d 0 to 10 growth. In general, BB age affected (P < 0.05) growth performance throughout the study. In the starter phase, successive exposure to DHA and ALA improved FCR over CON-CON (P < 0.01). The interaction between treatment and BB age in grower/finisher was such that DHA exposure to younger BB resulted in poor growth performance (P < 0.05) relative to exposure to older BB. In contrast, exposure to ALA had similar (P > 0.05) growth performance irrespective of BB age. Moreover, successive exposure to ALA resulted in higher BWG, breast weight and lower FCR compared to successive exposure to DHA (P < 0.05). There were no (P > 0.05) interactions between treatment and BB age on the intestinal lesion scores, lymphoid organ weights and concentration of plasma immunoglobulin A (IgA). Successive exposure to DHA resulted in higher (P = 0.006) jejunal lesion scores than CON-CON birds. The results showed that successive exposure of DHA and ALA improved FCR relative to non-exposed birds in the starter phase. However, responses in the grower/finisher phase depended on n-3 PUFA type, with birds on successive ALA exposure supporting better growth and breast yield than birds on successive DHA exposure.

Effect of the Line and Age of Female Broiler Breeder on Hatchability Performance of Eggs

An experiment was conducted to assess how hatchability performance of eggs is affected by line and age of female broiler breeders. Response variables analyzed were hatchability, infertility, pipping (i.e., pipped shell but not emerged), embryonic mortality (1st, 2nd, and 3rd wk), and embryonic malposition. The trials involved a total of 2,880 fertile eggs from two broiler breeder lines (Ross 308 and Cobb 500) at two different ages (30 and 50 wk). A 2 x 2 factorial design was used, where the broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age were the main effects. The hatchability in the Ross 308 line was higher than the Cobb 500 line, but its infertility was higher than the Ross 308 line. Hatchability in interaction (50 wk age of the hen in the Cobb 500 line) was less, and their infertility was higher. Embryonic mortality, pipping, and embryonic malposition did not present differences for the interaction between factors. The results suggest that hatchability performance of eggs can be improved, if egg management and incubation procedures are adjusted to account for the interaction between broiler breeder line and broiler breeder age.

Effect of Hypercapnia During Incubation and Broiler Breeder Age on Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Embryos and Hatchlings

Effect of Hypercapnia During Incubation and Broiler Breeder Age on Development of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Embryos and Hatchlings

Effects of broiler breeder age on immune system development of progeny

The objective of this study was to determine the effects that breeder age has on digestive and immune system development; the transfer of immunoglobulins to egg yolk, yolk sac, and neonate chicks; and the immune response of chicks up to 35 days old. Three ages (32, 42, and 52 weeks) of Hubbard breeders were studied with ages as treatments. A total of 425 eggs were weighed for each of the three treatments and incubated. After hatching, a total of [...]

Enzymatically treated yeast bolstered growth performance of broiler chicks from young broiler breeders linked to improved indices of intestinal function, integrity, and immunity

Older breeder chicks (OBC) are heavier and robust at hatch than younger breeder chicks (YBC). However, the implications of broiler breeder age on chick intestinal function and the role of functional feedstuffs are unexplored. We evaluated the effects of broiler breeder age and the impact of feeding YBC enzymatically treated yeast on growth, nutrient utilization, and indices of intestinal function. Fertile Ross 708 eggs: 2,250 (56.5 ± 3.4g) from 30-wk-old (YBC) and 550 (64.2 ± 4.2 g) from 47-wk-old (OBC) were hatched and placed in 48 pens (44 chicks/pen) containing equal males and females for growth and intestinal function evaluation and 36 cages (5 chicks/cage) for metabolizable energy (AME). Five corn and soybean meal-based diets were formulated to contain 0, 0.05, 0.10, 0.20, and 0.40% HY40 for a 3-phase feeding program (starter: days 0–10, grower: days 11–24, and finisher; days 25–42). Grower phase diets also contained a 0.3% TiO2 indigestible marker. The diets were allocated within YBC in a completely randomized block design (n = 8 for pens; n = 6 for cages). The OBC were fed a 0% yeast diet. Feed and water were provided freely; BW and feed intake were monitored, and excreta samples were collected on days 17 to 21 for apparent retention (AR). Birds were necropsied for plasma, jejunal tissues, organs weight, and ceca digesta. The OBC were heavier (P < 0.01) than YBC at hatch. Final BW of OBC and YBC fed, ≥0.10% yeast, was similar (P > 0.05). The OBC had similar FCR (P > 0.05) to YBC fed 0 to 0.10% yeast but higher (P = 0.003) than for YBC fed ≥0.20% yeast. Jejunal villi height to crypt depth ratio (VCR) and IgA were higher in OBC than 0% yeast (P = 0.01). Yeast increased VCR, bursa weight, jejunal, and plasma IgA (P = 0.01). The YBC fed ≥0.10% yeast had higher (P < 0.05) AR of crude protein, and gross energy than OBC and YBC fed 0 or 0.05% yeast. In conclusion, yeast improved YBC performance to the level of OBC linked to improved intestinal function, integrity, and immunity.

Effects of Broiler Breeders Age on Egg Quality Characteristics and Their Correlation Coefficients

Effects of Broiler Breeders Age on Egg Quality Characteristics and Their Correlation Coefficients

Effects of oxygen concentration during incubation and broiler breeder age on embryonic heat production, chicken development, and 7-day performance

Older breeder flocks produce eggs with a relatively larger yolk and thereby a higher nutrient availability than young breeder flocks. To optimise nutrient utilisation and embryonic development throughout incubation and posthatch period, embryos originating from older breeder flocks may require a higher oxygen availability. The current study investigated effects of broiler breeder flock age and incubational oxygen concentration on embryonic metabolism and chicken development until 7-day posthatch. Similar sized eggs of a young (28–32 week) or old (55–59 week) Cobb 500 breeder flock were incubated at one of three oxygen concentrations (17%, 21% or 25%) from day 7 of incubation until 6 h after emergence from the eggshell. Posthatch, chickens were reared until 7 days of age. Egg composition at the start of incubation, heat production during incubation, and embryo or chicken development at embryonic day (ED)14 and ED18 of incubation, 6 h after hatch and day 7 posthatch were evaluated. An interaction was found between breeder age and oxygen concentration for yolk-free body mass (YFBM) at ED18. A higher oxygen concentration increased YFBM in the old breeder flock, whereas no difference was found between 21 and 25% oxygen in the young breeder flock. Yolk size was larger in the old compared to the young flock from ED0 until 6 h after hatch. Breeder flock age did not affect YFBM at ED14 and 6 h after hatch nor daily embryonic heat production, but there were some effects on relative organ weights. Chickens of the old compared to the young breeder flock showed a higher weight gain at day 7, but at a similar feed conversion ratio (FCR). A higher oxygen concentration during incubation stimulated embryonic development, especially between 17% and 21% of oxygen, in both flock ages. Although this growth advantage disappeared at 7 days posthatch, a low oxygen concentration during incubation resulted in a higher FCR at 7 days posthatch. Results indicated that breeder flock age seemed to influence body development, with an advantage for the older breeder flock during the posthatch period. Oxygen concentrations during incubation affected body development during incubation and FCR in the first 7 days posthatch. Although an interaction was found between breeder flock age and oxygen concentration at ED18 of incubation, there was no strong evidence that nutrient availability at the start of incubation (represented by breeder flock ages) affected embryo and chicken development at a higher oxygen concentration.

Interactions between Egg Storage Duration and Breeder Age on Selected Egg Quality, Hatching Results, and Chicken Quality.

Simple SummaryEgg storage duration and breeder age are two important factors influencing productivity and profitability of hatcheries. These factors probably interact with each other to influence egg quality, apparent fertility, hatchability, and hatchling quality. The aim of this study was to investigate interactions between egg storage duration and broiler breeder age on these parameters. It was demonstrated that eggs from young breeders were the most resistant to storage duration increase in relationship to early and middle embryonic mortality than eggs from older breeders. However, the opposite was found for hatchling quality, where yolk free body mass, which increased from young to old breeders after five days of storage, increased only from middle to old breeders after prolonged storage (19 days). The intestine percentage decreased also after long storage in younger breeders, but in older breeders no significant effect of egg storage duration was found.Egg storage duration and breeder age are probably interacting to influence egg quality, hatchability, and hatchling quality. To evaluate this interaction, the impact of breeder age (31, 42, 66 weeks) and storage duration (2, 5, 12, 19 days) was investigated on broiler breeder eggs (Arbor Acres). Thick albumen diameter and pH increased, and yolk dry matter decreased between 2 and 19 days of storage. With the increase of breeder age from 31 to 66 weeks, albumen height, percentage and dry matter and shell percentage decreased and the egg weight and yolk percentage, dry matter and diameter increased. Prolonged egg storage increased the yolk pH in all breeder ages, but earlier and steeper in the oldest breeders. Prolonged egg storage resulted in a lower hatchability of set and fertile eggs due to a higher percentage of embryonic mortality. Early mortality increased earlier and steeper with prolonged egg storage in the oldest compared to younger breeders. Between 5 and 19 days of storage, yolk free body mass, liver and proventriculus + gizzard percentages decreased, as well as hatchling length and yolk efficiency (yolk absorption per initial yolk weight). The latter effects were most pronounced in the younger than in the older breeders. Therefore, eggs are preferably stored shorter than 7 d, but if long storage (≥12 days) cannot be avoided, we recommend to store eggs of older breeders when egg quality and hatchability are most important. In case hatchling quality is most important, it would be better to store eggs of younger breeders (31 weeks) for a prolonged period.

Effects of breeder age on embryonic development, hatching results, chick quality, and growing performance of the slow-growing genotype

The present study aimed to ascertain the effects of slow-growing breeder age on embryo development, incubation results, and chick quality and of the interaction between breeder age and hatching time on initial performance. A total of 630 hatching eggs obtained from a commercial flock of slow-growing broiler breeders (Isa Label Naked Neck) were evaluated in 2 experiments. The first experiment evaluated embryo development and hatching results for broiler breeder age treatments of 38 and 51 wk, whereas the second experiment evaluated broiler chick performance. For the second experiment, chicks were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized block (sex) experimental design consisting of 2 breeder ages (31 or 58 wk) and 2 hatching times (479–485 and 491–497 h). At 18 d of embryonic development, embryos of 51-wk-old breeders were larger than those of 38-wk-old breeders (P < 0.05), whereas yolk-free chick weight was similar (P > 0.05). Embryo organ weight was similar for the 2 breeder ages (P > 0.05); however, there was greater development of intestinal villi for embryos of the 51-wk-old breeders. There were no differences between breeder ages in hatchability and chick quality score (P > 0.05). Yolk-free chick weight at pulling was greater (P < 0.05) for chicks from 51-wk-old breeders. Hatching time did not affect performance from 1 to 7 d (P > 0.05); however, chicks hatching at 491–497 h had better performance from 1 to 28 d than did chicks hatching at 479–485 h (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the age of slow-growing breeders affects embryo villi development and chick weight but does not improve incubation results or chick quality. Chicks hatching later (491–497 h) had better performance results than chicks hatching earlier (479–485 h).

Interactions between egg storage duration and broiler breeder age on egg fat content, chicken organ weights, and growth performance

Egg storage and breeder age are between the most important factors affecting egg lipids, chicken quality, and posthatch performance. To evaluate these factors, including their interaction, the impact of egg storage duration (5, 12, and 19 D), and breeder age (47 and 67 wk) was investigated in Arbor Acres broiler eggs and chickens. Total yolk fat content, chicken organ development at hatch and at 6 D of age, and posthatch performance (at 7 D and 35 D of age) were determined. Total fat content in fresh yolk was lower in 12 and 19 D stored eggs than in 5 D stored eggs (Δ = −2.42% on average). In hatchlings, the heart percentage was not affected by storage duration in the younger flock but was higher after 19 D than after 5 and 12 D of storage in the old flock (Δ = +0.09% on average). Residual yolk weight was higher after 12 D egg storage than after 5 D egg storage (Δ = +1.7 g), with 19 D egg storage in between. Liver and intestine percentage decreased with storage duration. Residual yolk weight (Δ = +1.09 g) and liver percentage (Δ = +0.18%) were higher in old breeders than in younger breeders. At day 6, chicken BW, yolk free body mass, liver percentage, and intestine percentage interacted between egg storage duration and breeder age with the strongest effects in chickens from older breeder after 19 D of storage. Heart percentage was lower after 19 D compared with 5 and 12 D of storage (Δ = −0.05% on average). Feed intake and feed conversion ratio were higher between day 0 to 7 and 0 to 35 after 19 D than after 5 D egg storage (Δ19-5 D = +12 g and +199 g; +0.11 points and +0.09 points, respectively). It can be concluded that when it is needed, eggs from younger breeders should be stored for a prolonged period (≥12 D) rather than those from older breeders.

Influence of age of broiler breeders and storage duration on egg quality and blastoderm of Marshall broiler breeders

Summary The aim of the study was to examine the effects of age of broiler breeders and storage duration on quality traits and blastoderm of eggs obtained from Marshall broiler breeders. A total of 320 eggs were collected from 2 flocks, 43 wk and 65 wk of age. Eggs were sampled immediately after collection and subjected to a storage duration of 0 (control), 4, 7, and 10 D at 16°C and 80% RH. Extended storage of eggs until 10 D from 65-wk-old breeders resulted in significant deterioration of egg quality traits. Egg weights decreased, whereas egg weight loss increased with storage duration for both breeder ages. Egg traits such as yolk diameter increased with interaction effects, whereas yolk heights declined. However, yolk weight and yolk percentage were observed to increase with age of breeders during egg storage. With a storage of 10 D, albumen diameter, albumen weight, and albumen percentage were higher with 43-wk-old breeders. Albumen pH rapidly turned alkaline from 4 D of storage period for both breeder ages and increased until about 9.85 at 10 D of storage. Haugh units declined with age and storage effects and were higher for eggs from 43-wk-old breeders. Blastoderm diameter was also affected as it decreased with storage for 65-wk-old breeders especially at day 7 of eggs storage. The results suggest that breeder's age and storage duration significantly influenced important egg quality traits and blastoderm expansion of Marshall broiler breeder eggs especially from older breeders.

Is the Eggshell Quality Influenced by the Egg Weight or the Breeder Age?

For a long time, it has been said that eggshell quality decreases as eggs increase in size, but this increase is seen as the breeder age advances. Therefore, the present study aimed to evaluate the age and egg weight effect on Cobb 500 broiler breeders on eggshell quality. The quality measures tested were eggshell and mineral matter percentage, eggshell surface, shape and eggshell index, eggshell and membrane thickness and specific gravity. Eggs from 27, 31, 36, 40, 46, 48, 53, 58 and 63 week-old breeders were classified as eggs with a constant weight ranging from 63.8 ± 0.2; and eggs with increasing weight, according to age, being: 55.8g; 60g; 62.2g; 64.2g; 65.2g, 66.6g, 68.1g, 69.9g and 72.5g, respectively. The eggs weight did not influence the eggshell percentage and the specific gravity in seven of the nine tested ages, while for mineral matter in six of the nine studied ages. The shape and shell index, shell and membrane thickness are characteristics independent of egg weight. As the Cobb 500 broiler breeder age advanced, the mineral matter concentration and specific gravity maintained constant, the membrane thickness (R2>70) reduced, and other studied variables were influenced in the same way for both treatments. Thus, the eggshell quality decrease with the advancing age cannot be attributed solely to the increase of egg weight with consequent increase in the eggshell volume and the surface, but there are also age-related factors.

Effect of hatch window upon intestinal development, chick quality, post hatch performance according to ross-308 broiler breeder age

This study was carried out to find out the effects of breeder age on incubation results intestinal nbsp development nbsp during nbsp hatch nbsp window nbsp chick nbsp quality nbsp and nbsp first nbsp week nbsp broiler nbsp performance nbsp A nbsp total nbsp of nbsp n nbsp eggs nbsp were nbsp obtained nbsp from nbsp commercial nbsp Ross broiler breeder flocks at and weeks old which were equally divided on the basis of breeder age in two groups A Young weeks B old weeks age These and weeks old flocks and were hatched h before pull time and and were hatched h before pull time respectively Hatchability of fertile eggs and hatchability of total eggs were found higher in weeks old flock than the other The chick hatch weight was determined as g and g in and weeks old flocks respectively Chick weight initial egg weight rate was found to be higher as in the weeks old flocks On hatching day chick length was also higher in weeks old flock Relative yolk free chick weight was higher in weeks old flock than the other Intestine weight rate was higher as in chicks from weeks old than the other At week of age the body weights and weight gains were g and g and g and g in and weeks old flocks respectively Higher mortality ratio as was observed in weeks old flock In conclusion intestinal development during hatch window incubation parameters chick quality and first week broiler performance is affected by breeder age

Increased Incidence of Enterococcal Infection in Nonviable Broiler Chicken Embryos in Western Canadian Hatcheries as Detected by Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization-Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry.

The emergence of enterococcal infections in neonatal broiler chickens in the poultry industry has become common in many countries, including Canada. The objective of this study was to examine the bacterial infections in nonviable broiler chicken embryos in three western Canadian poultry hatcheries using matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS). The pattern of embryo mortality that occurred during incubation and the breakout analysis results were similar in all three hatcheries. The majority of embryo mortality occurred during the late stage of incubation (35.08%), followed by the early stage of incubation (15.35%). The breakout analysis showed that 65.82% of swabs had at least one type of bacterial growth while 34.17% of swabs were negative for bacterial isolation. Of those 65.82% swabs with bacterial growth, 34.3% of swabs yielded a mixed bacterial population while 31.52% yielded one type of bacterial growth. The frequency of bacterial isolation from hatch debris (60%-75%) increased with the age of broiler breeders. MALDI-TOF MS was able to provide genus-level identification of 83.13% of isolates among all bacterial types isolated. MALDI-TOF MS identified Enterococcus and Escherichia coli isolates with 97.18% and 100% accuracy at species level, respectively, whereas Staphylococcus species were identified with 62.59% accuracy. The congruence between MALDI-TOF MS identification and 16S rRNA or cpn60 universal gene target sequencing was 100% or 90%, respectively. Of all bacteria isolated, Enterococcus species (29.71%) were the most prevalent, followed by E. coli (19.46%). About 56% of E. coli-infected samples were coinfected with Enterococcus species. Among all Enterococcus species isolated, Enterococcus faecalis (79.58%) was the most prevalent, followed by Enterococcus faecium (8.1%). Overall, our study showed that Enterococcus-associated embryo mortality was predominant in all three hatcheries investigated and suggests that MALDI-TOF MS technology can be applied to identify bacteria such as Enterococcus species isolated from poultry.

PRODUCTIVE PERFORMANCE OF HUBBARD CLASSIC BROILER BREEDER CHICKENS UNDER DIFFERENT HOUSING SYSTEMS

his investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of two housing types (closed and semi-closed), broiler breeder age and their interaction on broiler breeder performance during egg production (25-45 wks ofage), at a private local broiler breeder farm in Alexandria desert road. The results indicated that: Housing system significantly affected on body weight which was heavier in semi-closed compared to closed housing system. No significant difference in egg production, egg weight and feed consumption during egg production period of breeder under two housing system. Housing system significantly affected on mortality rate percentage of breeder during egg production period which was higher under closed housing type. Body weight, egg production, egg weight, feed consumption and mortality rate of female broiler breeders were significantly affected by breeder age. Generally, in most cases, the interaction between type of house and age of breeder hens for studied criteria were insignificant.

Effect of Broiler Breeders Age on Hatchability, Candling, Water Loss, Chick Yield and Dead in Shel

Effect of Broiler Breeders Age on Hatchability, Candling, Water Loss, Chick Yield and Dead in Shel

Effect of Incubator Type and Broiler Breeder Age on Hatchability and Chick Quality

ABSTRACT Two experiments were conducted to evaluate the effect of broiler breeder age and incubator type on hatching parameters, hatch window, embryo diagnosis results, and hatchling physical quality. The treatments consisted of a combination of three broiler breeder ages (29, 35 and 59 weeks of age) and two incubator types (single stage, SS; or and multiple stage, MS). A completely randomized design in a 3x2 factorial arrangement was applied. In Experiment I, 1,896 eggs were used and 360 eggs in Experiment II. There was an interaction between breeder age and incubator type only for hatchling physical quality score. Independently of incubator type, hatchability rate, late embryo mortality, and egg contamination were higher in the eggs laid by older breeders (59-wk-old). Early mortality (0-4 days) was higher in the embryos from young breeders (29-wk-old). A shorter hatch window birth was obtained in the SS incubator, resulting in higher hatchling body weight relative to egg weight, and better hatchling physical quality score. Both types of incubators provide good conditions for embryo development; however, the physical quality of chicks derived from eggs from intermediate-aged breeders (35-wk-old) is better when eggs are incubated in SS incubators.

Effect of Embryo Thermal Stimulation on the Serum Levels of Immunoglobulins and Corticosterone, and Organ Histopathology of 1 day-old Broilers

Embryo thermal stimulation has been studied as a means to promote epigenetic changes and to improve broiler health and performance. This study aimed at evaluating immunoglobulin (IgM, IgG, and IgA) titers, serum corticosterone levels, and organ integrity of day-old male Cobb(r) and Ross(r) broilers. Embryos were submitted to hot and cold stimuli (thermal stimulation) on days 14-18 of incubation. The thermal manipulation treatments did not affect immunoglobulin titers of 1 day-old Cobb(r) or Ross(r) chicks, and caused severe bursal lesions (scores 3 and 4) in both strains. However, serum corticosterone levels of Cobb(r) chicks were higher when embryos were submitted to hot stimulus (+1.39oC) compared with cold stimulus (+36 oC). Serum corticosterone levels of Ross(r) chicks were not affected by embryo temperature manipulation. The only effect of broiler breeder age was observed on IgM titers of Cobb(r) chicks, which were higher in chicks from 33-wk-old breeders. Further studies are needed to detect the optimal period of embryo thermal stimulation.

Effect of Broiler Breeder Age on the Intestinal Mucosa Development of the Embryos at 20 Days of Incubation

This study investigated the effect of broiler breeder age on the morphological development of the small intestine broiler embryos (villus height, crypt depth, microvillus height, and villus density) at 20 day of incubation. Eggs obtained from 30- and 60-wk-old broiler breeders were used. The results showed that embryos from older broiler breeders presented longer villi in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum compared with younger broiler breeders. In addition, embryos from older broiler breeders presented deeper crypts in the jejunum and ileum, longer microvilli in jejunal enterocytes, and lower villus density (microvillus number/mm2) in the duodenum and ileum than younger breeders. These results suggest that breeder age influences the gut mucosa development of broiler embryos. Embryos from older broiler breeder showed greater development of the small intestine mucosa than those from younger broiler breeder.