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Resistance of broilers

Good welfare and health are important for the resilience of broilers. A very critical period is that from the moment the egg is laid up to and including the first week in the broiler barn. Early feeding can be a solution.

Early feeding

With early feeding, the chicks hatch from the egg inside the broiler barn, after which they are immediately supplied with feed and water. Moreover, with this system we avoid the transport of the chicks from the hatchery to the broiler farm.

Research has shown that feeding chickens immediately after hatching leads to less mortality, better growth and better feed conversion compared to chickens that have not been fed for 48 hours after hatching.

Environmental enrichment

Furthermore, environmental enrichment in broiler barns can have a positive effect on the resilience of broilers. Environmental enrichment stimulates the natural behaviour of broilers.

Want to know more about our research?

Wageningen Livestock Research conducts research into both the early feeding system and environmental enrichment. Contact our expert for more information.