Early feeding and development of the immune system in neonatal poultry

The objective of this research was to evaluate the effect of early feeding on the development of the immune system in broiler chicks. A hydrated nutritional supplement formulated specifically for the first 2 to 3 days of post-hatch life was provided to the chicks on the day of hatch and the 2 subsequent days. The nutritional content of this supplement was optimized to achieve maximum performance at 6 wk following ad libitum consumption of starter feed and water. Control hatchlings received neither feed nor water. After the initial treatment, all birds were fed the same corn-soy diet ad libitum. Immune development was assessed by measuring bursa weight, biliary immunoglobulin A (IgA) levels, appearance of germinal centers in the cecal tonsils, and resistance to an oral challenge with coccidial oocysts. Data indicate that provision of the optimum balance of nutrients immediately after hatch results in heavier bursa weights, earlier appearance of biliary IgA and germinal centers, and an improved resistance to disease challenge.