Sustained in-ovo and in-feed probiotic supplementation promotes embryo development and post-hatch performance in...

Area of Science:

• Poultry Science
• Animal Nutrition
• Microbiology

Background:

• Current broiler production focuses on post-hatch interventions, neglecting the critical embryonic phase.
• Embryonic development and early post-hatch stages significantly impact broiler performance.
• Probiotics offer a potential strategy to improve early development and growth.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of probiotics in enhancing embryonic development and post-hatch performance in broiler chickens.
• To assess the impact of early and sustained probiotic supplementation on broiler growth and health.

Main Methods:

• Ross 308 broiler hatching eggs were treated with probiotics (Lactobacillus paracasei DUP 13076 and L. rhamnosus NRRL B 442) or a control solution.
• Embryonic development was assessed through morphometric analysis.
• Post-hatch chicks were raised for six weeks on probiotic-supplemented feed, with performance metrics evaluated.

Main Results:

• Probiotic treatment significantly improved embryonic development, hatchability, and hatchling weight.
• Sustained probiotic supplementation increased body weight gain, carcass weight, and relative breast/leg weight.
• Feed conversion ratio (FCR) was reduced, alongside improved performance efficiency and survivability.

Conclusions:

• Early and sustained probiotic supplementation enhances broiler growth and performance.
• Integrating probiotics during embryonic and post-hatch stages is a promising strategy for poultry production.
• Probiotics improve broiler efficiency and health under commercial conditions.