Effects of Early Feed Restriction during Delayed Placement on the Performance and Gut Health of Broilers

An experiment was conducted to investigate the effect of early access to feed and water on the performance of broiler chicks during the first two weeks of life. A total of 64 Ross x Ross 708 broiler chicks were allotted to 3 treatment groups with 3 pens per group and 6 to 9 chicks per pen. Treatment group 1, 2, and, 3 were fasted for 36, 24, or 12 h post-hatch respectively, followed by ad libitum access to feed and water. Results of this study showed no differences between treatment groups in body weight, weight gain, or mortality. However, the 36 h group had reduced feed intake during 7-14 d compared to the 24 h group. The 12 h group was lower (p ≤ 0.05) in feed intake than the other treatment groups during 7-14 d and also during 0-14 d compared to the 24 h group only. The 12 h group was found to have lower (p ≤ 0.05) feed:gain ratio than the 24 h group during the second week as well as during the entire period of study. Early access to feed and water may improve the feed:gain ratio and affect feed intake of broilers during the first two weeks as it was shown in this study.