The importance of early nutrition in broiler chickens: Hydrated gels enriched with nutrients, an innovative feeding system

Abstract

Poultry industry constitutes one of the most significant segments of the agricultural and veterinary sector worldwide. For this reason, one of its main objectives is to improve not only the quantity but also the quality of the offered product. Over the years, the abuse of antibiotics as growth promoters has led to the development of antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains, imposing the need to find alternative solutions for animal welfare and for gastrointestinal diseases prevention, finding confirmation in the use of pre and probiotics. Various stressors, together with feed deprivation during the first few hours of chicks’ life increase the chance of disease contraction and mortality. Innovative feeding systems to be administered to chicks immediately after hatching in incubation rooms are gaining ground in poultry industry. These new systems consist of complementary feeds, often in the form of hydrated gels, which provide all the nutrients and additives that chicks need during their first hours of life, promoting the development of the gastrointestinal system and preventing the documented side effects caused by fasting.