Effect of Post Hatch Feed Deprivation on Yolk-sac Utilization and Performance of Young Broiler Chickens

An experiment was conducted to study the effect of post-hatch feed deprivation on yolk sac utilization and subsequent performance of young broiler chickens (280) up to 35 days of age. The experimental treatments included access to feed at 8 h intervals after hatch, up to 48 h (0, 8, 16, 24 32, 40 or 48 h). Water was offered ad libitum to all the groups immediately after placement. Results indicated that chicks with access to feed immediately after hatch used up the residual yolk more quickly. Access to feed between 8-24 h post-hatch, supported faster utilization of residual yolk compared to those chicks that remained unfed for 40-48 h (p<0.05). Further, deprivation of feed up to 24 h did not alter the lipid and protein contents in residual yolk, but fasting of chicks beyond 24 h (32, 40 and 48 h) led to retention of higher lipid and lower protein content in the yolk sac (p<0.05). At 7 days of age, the weights of proventiculus and gizzard were not affected by feed deprivation up to 48 h. However, the liver, pancreas and jejunum recorded significantly (p<0.05) heavier weights in chicks that were fed during the initial 24 h period compared to delayed feeding (32-48 h). Chicks fed within 24 h after hatch gained significantly (p<0.05) higher weight at 5 weeks of age than those that received feed between 32 and 48 h. Feed deprivation for 48 h was more detrimental to growth than 24-40 h. This study revealed the significance of early post-hatch feeding (<24 h) on faster utilization of yolk sac nutrients and optimum development of intestines and organs, culminating in improved weight gain (>10.5%) of broilers at 5 weeks of age.