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Effects of a combined hatching and brooding system on hatchability, chick weight, and mortality in broilers.
L J F van de Ven1, A V van Wagenberg, P W G Groot Koerkamp
1Vencomatic BV, PO Box 160, 5520 AD, Eersel, the Netherlands. Lotte.vandeVen@wur.nl
Poultry Science
|October 17, 2009
Summary
The innovative Patio system integrates hatching and brooding, providing immediate feed and water access for broiler chicks. This system shows improved hatchability and heavier chicks at placement, potentially enhancing early broiler performance.
Area of Science:
- Animal Science
- Poultry Husbandry
- Hatchery Technology
Background:
- Prolonged posthatch holding periods in conventional systems delay feed and water access, negatively impacting broiler chick health and performance.
- Current hatching systems may not adequately meet the physiological needs of newly hatched chicks, leading to dehydration and reduced vitality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of the 'Patio' system, which combines hatching and brooding phases, for broiler production.
- To assess the impact of the Patio system on hatchability and early broiler performance compared to conventional hatchery methods.
Main Methods:
- Conducted 21 broiler production trials across 3 locations, comparing the Patio system with standard hatchery practices.
- Evaluated hatchability, chick weight at placement (Day 0), and cumulative 7-day mortality in both systems.
- Utilized a total of 780,686 eggs from the same parental flocks for comparative analysis.
Main Results:
- The Patio system demonstrated higher hatchability rates (1.45-1.86% increase) across all locations.
- Patio-reared chicks were significantly heavier at placement (11.6-16.3% heavier) in 3 trials.
- Mean cumulative 7-day mortality in the Patio system was low, ranging from 1.09% to 1.43%.
Conclusions:
- The Patio system offers a viable alternative to conventional hatching and brooding, improving early broiler chick outcomes.
- Further research is needed to precisely attribute the observed increases in hatchability to factors like second-grade chicks and late hatching.
- The integrated approach of the Patio system supports immediate post-hatch nutrition and hydration, contributing to improved chick performance.
