Effect of Post-Hatch Transportation Duration on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Blood Profiles and Intestinal Bacteriology of Broiler Chicks
Effect of Post-Hatch Transportation Duration on Growth Performance, Immune Function, Blood Profiles and Intestinal Bacteriology of Broiler Chicks
Yahya Sabah Abdulameer1*, Dhurgham A. A. Al-Sultany2, Ali Kumait Alawadi2
ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of different transportation periods (1.5,3, 6 and 12 h) after hatching on production, carcass traits, immune response, and intestinal bacteriology of 308 Ross broiler chickens. A total of 256 unsexed chicks were removed from hatchery trays immediately and were randomly assigned to four groups. The first Group, transported to farm within 1.5 hours. (T1), second group: transported to farm within three hours (T2), third group, transported to farm within six hours (T3), and fourth group: transported to farm within 12 hours (T4). In farm, these groups were reared in 16 pens based on a completely randomized designed (dimensions of each pen were 1×2 m2). Feed consumption, body weight (BW), and feed conversion ratio (FCR) were measured biweekly, while growth efficiency index (GEI), internal organ weights, immune function, and intestinal bacteriology were assessed at 42 days of age. Chicks transported during 1.5 and 3 h (T1, T2) had the highest body weight, feed consumption, and intestinal weight (p<0.05). Growth efficiency index (GEI) was the lowest in T1, T2 when compared with T3 and T4 (p<0.05). The chicks transported during 1.5-3 h also showed stronger immune responses to Newcastle Disease Vaccine (NDV) (P < 0.05). T1 and T2 showed the highest number of Lymphocytes (L) (P < 0.05), and the lowest stress index (P < 0.05). The relative bursa weight and small intestine of the T1and T2 were heavier (p<0.05). T1 and T2 were effective in reducing the numbers of pathogenic bacteria in the ileum and preserved the beneficial bacteria. Pathological bacteria in ileum were increased in T3, T4 (p<0.05). We conclude that transportation periods of 1.5 to 3 hours post-hatch do not adversely affect production, immune response, or intestinal microbiota in broiler chicks. However, if the period is increased from 6 to 12, it may affect production, immune response, and intestinal microbiota. The findings of this study shed light on managerial strategies that could be used to reduce the side effects of transportation in the broiler industry.
Keywords | Broiler, Growth, Heath, Immune, Post-hatch, Transportation
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