The first hours after hatching are considered important for the health and development of broiler chickens. In commercial production systems, chicks may experience a delay before gaining access to feed. This study investigated how different delays in feed access after hatching affect slower-growing broiler chickens throughout the production cycle. Birds received feed immediately after hatching, after 24 h, or after 48 h. Indicators related to stress, bone development, and welfare were evaluated. Birds that experienced longer delays before receiving feed showed changes in stress-related hormones during the first days of life and slightly shorter wing bones. Differences between the left and right sides of bones were also measured, as these differences can indicate disturbances during development. Birds with a 48-h delay showed greater differences between the left and right sides of their bones compared with those receiving feed earlier. However, no differences were observed in important welfare indicators later in life, such as walking ability or leg health. Overall, short delays in feeding had limited long-term effects on the welfare indicators measured in slower-growing broiler chickens.

Read the full article in the Journal of Animal Science.