A Good Start for Chicks – Why is it Important?

From the moment chicks hatch, their organism is exposed to many internal and external factors that it must handle. Most of these factors are related to the specific characteristics and physiology of this growth stage, but they are nevertheless an energy expenditure for the organism and may affect the utilisation of its genetic potential in later stages of the production cycle. Therefore, the first days of life and the support provided to chicks during this time usually have a significant impact on the entire production cycle and its final economic outcome.

The moment of hatching and the change of environment are extremely potent stress factors for chicks. Later, transportation, the unfamiliar environment of the henhouse and a change to feeding with solid feed and water intake present further challenges for their organism. The birds must quickly grow accustomed to the unfamiliar method of feeding so that their digestive tract can start working. Until this happens, they are naturally supported for the first few days by using the resources in the unabsorbed yolk sac. Impaired yolk sac absorption is a significant health problem in chicks. Its occurrence is influenced by the incubation conditions, as well as the first days of rearing, since the length of the resorption period can be affected by transport from the hatchery to the farm, stress, the start of feeding and the presence of pathogens. It is worth noting that in the first days after hatching, the yolk sac serves as a reserve of water and nutrients and, very importantly, is a source of maternal antibodies.

During this time, energy is needed for growth, as the chicks increase their body weight by 3–4 times in the first week of life, depending on the species. In addition, important organs develop their function during this period – especially the digestive tract and, consequently, the immune system (the digestive tract is strongly linked to the immune system). It is also important for the young organism to strengthen its skeletal system, which will affect its endurance during the period of most intensive muscle mass growth. That is why it is crucial to provide birds with support in the first days of life and to create the best possible conditions for further growth and development.

It is also important to prepare the henhouse properly for chicks by ensuring the appropriate temperature, lighting, access to feed and water and high-quality, evenly spread bedding. 

In summary, the most important issues in the first week of a chick’s life are:
– stress associated with hatching, transport and the new environment of the farm;
– starting active feeding;
– resorption of the yolk sac;
– development of the digestive tract structures;
– development of the immune system;
– bone growth;
– weight gain.

The effects of stress associated with hatching, transport, a new environment and a change in diet can be mitigated by using natural feed additives, often referred to as nutraceuticals. These will support the natural physiological processes of the chicks’ first days of life and help create better conditions for further growth and development. Some of the most effective nutraceuticals are discussed below. 

Star anise extract

It aids in the absorption of the yolk sac and has a beneficial effect on appetite and digestive enzyme secretion. Remember that by encouraging chicks to eat, we help them adapt to a new way of feeding, which is necessary for full gastrointestinal motility. Stimulating peristalsis facilitates the absorption of the yolk sac through the duct connecting the sac to the intestine, allowing birds to utilise their natural mechanisms of survival. Faster resorption of the yolk sac not only provides nutritional benefits from the absorbed nutrients, but also improves the condition of the chicks, stimulates the absorption of maternal antibodies and reduces the risk of yolk sac and navel inflammation.

Butyric acid glycerides

During the first 3–5 days after hatching, the intestinal structures undergo very intensive development, connected with the rapid proliferation of enterocytes – the cells directly responsible for the absorption of feed components. The intestinal epithelium is a structure sensitive to external and internal factors that can lead to damage and increased permeability. It plays a key role in the process of nutrient absorption and is also an important part of the intestinal barrier, which protects the body against pathogen and toxin penetration. A weakened intestinal barrier can lead to inflammation, nutrient absorption disorders and immune system dysfunction. The mucous membrane of the digestive tract can be aided by butyric acid esters, which support intestinal health in various ways by helping the development of intestinal structures (increasing the absorptive surface area of the intestines), stimulating the secretion of gastrointestinal hormones (i.e. peptides that induce enterocyte proliferation) and increasing blood flow. There are reports that butyric acid also strengthens the intestinal barrier by influencing the activation of cell signalling pathways.

Electrolytes, Betaine

Potassium chloride and sodium chloride are sources of electrolytes that help replenish any deficiencies that may occur between hatching and the chick’s first independent water intake on the farm. The electrolytes are supplemented by betaine, which has a positive effect on water retention in cells by acting as an “osmoregulatory”. By helping to maintain the volume of cytoplasm and free water in cells during periods of increased use, it also has a beneficial effect on the condition of the liver and gastrointestinal tract. It may also help to limit the loss of its structures and aid the development of intestinal epithelial cells. As a methyl donor, betaine is also essential in key biochemical processes in the body – especially those related to intensive growth, such as RNA, DNA and lipid synthesis – which is of considerable importance in adapting to new environmental conditions.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting lipid membranes during oxidative stress and is also essential during periods of intensive growth, as it determines the proper structure of connective tissue (e.g. cartilage). Vitamin C aids in the formation of collagen, the main protein in connective tissue, which is particularly important during periods of intense growth in young organisms. During collagen synthesis, vitamin C is a cofactor for the enzymes that hydroxylate proline and lysine, which are essential for forming the normal structure of this protein. It also affects the condition of the skin, joints and blood vessels, as well as regeneration processes.

Vitamin D3

Vitamin D3 is essential for bone metabolism; therefore, it is important to administer it after hatching to reduce the risk of rickets (we recommend another dose between days 6 and 12 of the chick’s life in a vitamin supplement). It is responsible for the absorption of calcium and phosphorus from the digestive tract and their excretion through the kidneys, thus regulating bone formation processes. In addition, as an antioxidant, it prevents the peroxidation of lipoproteins and phospholipids in cell membranes, thereby protecting cells from loss of function, and has immunostimulatory and anti-inflammatory properties.

Probiotic bacteria

Microorganisms with probiotic effects used in poultry include e.g. Enterococcus faecium and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (velezensis) bacteria (such combination is contained in the preparation Enterocid Duo by BioPoint). In the early stages of life, colonisation of the digestive tract with regular microflora is still unstable, making chicks particularly susceptible to pathogens. Boosting the intestines early with beneficial bacteria is crucial, as they can modulate gene expression in epithelial cells, creating an environment conducive to their further development. Probiotics act in a complex manner. For example, they compete with pathogens for receptors or adhesion sites on intestinal epithelial cells. They also compete with pathogenic microorganisms for nutrients, increase the secretion of mucins – glycoproteins that seal the intestinal barrier – and can modify the structure of receptors for microbial toxins. Probiotics also synthesise vitamins – mainly B-group vitamins and vitamin K, as well as digestive enzymes (such as α-galactosidase). They increase the activity of intestinal enzymes such as sucrase, which improves feed utilisation. The use of probiotic microflora also stimulates the immune system by activating the gut-associated lymphoid tissue (GALT).

Multilateral aid for healthy chicks – BioPoint solutions

Among the many preparations created by BioPoint to support the health of birds and help reduce the use of antibiotics are products that support the healthy start of chicks. The most popular is Biostarter Liquid, which has been developed to provide comprehensive support for chicks from the first days of their lives and contains, among other things, star anise extract, butyric acid glycerides and vitamins C and D3. We use this product to minimise the stress associated with hatching and transport and to stimulate the growth and development of chicks – especially their digestive tracts. It is the quality of the digestive processes that determines the entire production cycle and its final production result. By using the right supplements in the first week of the production cycle, we expect improved bird condition, greater weight gain and a reduced daily mortality rate compared to birds not receiving any additives during this stage. This product is very often used with probiotics (in separate water containers).

Use on farms

Below are the examples of the use of Biostarter Liquid on farms. The results are for the groups that received Biostarter Liquid and the groups with no supplementation. Additionally, courtesy of veterinarians using Biostarter Liquid, we received information about the absorption of yolk sacs in the tested birds.

Pic. 1.  Yolk sacs collected from birds with no supplementation (the average weight of the yolk sacs was 0.26g).

Pic. 2.  Yolk sacs collected from birds receiving supplementation in the form of Biostarter Liquid and a probiotic supplement
(the average weight of the yolk sacs was 0.1g).

Pic. 3.  Yolk sacs collected from birds with no supplementation (the average weight of the yolk sacs was 0.4g). In this group,
two out of five yolk sacs examined showed pathological changes – congestion and very dense contents

Pic. 4. Yolk sacs collected from birds receiving Biostarter Liquid (the average weight of the yolk sacs was 0.19g)

EXAMPLE 1

Recommendations:
The birds (turkey hens, Hybrid Converter) received the following for 5 days starting from the day they were placed on the farm: Biostarter Liquid at a dose of 500 mL/1000 L of drinking water, in half of the water consumed daily, and a probiotic containing, among others, Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (velezensis) bacteria. All birds weighed 54 g on the day of arrival. The birds’ weight was verified on days 4 and 21 (Graph 1). In addition, on day 4 of the birds’ life, during routine diagnostic sections, the yolk sacs of the tested birds were weighed (Graph 2, Figures 1 and 2).