The Potential of a Novel Processed Plant Product as an 'in ovo' and Prestarter Diet Supplement for Broiler Chickens

Abstract

<p>Five experiments were conducted to assess the effect of application of a novel highquality soy protein product, Hamlet Protein AviStart (HPA), as an in ovo and a prestarter diet supplement on hatchability, chick quality, growth performance and digestive physiology of broiler chickens. In the first experiment (Chapter 3), the physico-chemical properties of late-incubation egg amniotic fluid and different concentrations of HPA solutions as potential <i>in ovo</i> feed supplement were assessed. The second trial, reported in Chapter 4, assessed the effect of <i>in ovo</i> feeding of HPA solutions on hatchability, chick quality, digestive function and early growth responses of broiler chickens.</p> <p>The last three experiments assessed the effect of different early supplementation strategies of HPA on gross performance, nutrient digestibility and development of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT). Feeding trials were conducted on male Ross 308 broiler chicks from day-old to 35 d of age. The test product was tested in mash, crumbled and pelleted diets. The experiments were carried out in environmentally controlled housing. The five experiments have been presented separately as individual research papers in Chapters 5-7. This summary is an overview of the major findings of this thesis.</p> <p>Early provision of HPA, either <i>in ovo</i> or in prestarter diets to newly-hatched chicks enhanced growth performance at 10 d of age. The optimal period for supplementation of HPA in broiler chicken diet is between 10-24 d. The effects of early supplementation of the high-quality soy protein in prestarter diets for 10 d post-hatch appeared to be sustained beyond the starter phase and through the broiler production cycle. The optimal period of growth performance with use of the product was also the most economical for its use in diets for broiler chickens.</p> <p>Early supplementation of HPA improved feed intake and growth performance as observed throughout the period of the study. These improvements were most likely as a result of low content of anti-nutritional factors and high level of digestible amino acids of the test product. </p> <p>The inclusion of the test product in prestarter diets for newly-hatched chicks appeared to have the potential to improve nutrient digestibility and digestive function during the grower phase of broiler chickens. There is also the potential for development of immune competence in broiler chickens as the product resulted in early development of the internal organs associated with immunity. </p> <pThe overall implications and findings of this thesis are presented in Chapter 8, along with some recommendations for further studies. The results of this entire study show that early supplementation of HPA in prestarter diets is a promising strategy to enhance broiler chicken performance, nutrient utilization and digestive physiological responses. The results further indicate the potential of use of the product in early nutrition as a tool for mitigating the identified effects of delayed access to feed and water.></p> <pThere is also, need for future investigation into the use of high-quality soy protein in studies involving disease-challenged birds, layer nutrition and egg quality/production, and in development of gut microbiota.></p>