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Nutrition and Digestive Physiology of the Broiler Chick
<div>The first week after hatch is the most challenging period in the life of
broilers. The digestive tract of the newly hatched chick is immature
and must undergo dramatic changes before it can efficiently digest and
absorb nutrients. The gut is the vital organ where nutrient digestion
and absorption take place. Ontogenic changes that accompany improved
digestion and absorption include increased secretion of digestive
enzymes, increase in the gut absorptive surface area, and enhanced
nutrient transporters. The obvious limiting factors are the secretion
and activities of digestive enzymes, and the surface area for
absorption. These limitations are overcome as the birds grow older, with
concurrent improvements in nutrient utilization. In addition,
substantial changes also take place in the physical and functional
development of the immune system and intestinal microbial ecology.
However, the focus of the current review was on nutrition-related
challenges and nutritional approaches to assist the chick during this
highly demanding period.</div>Because the intestine is the primary nutrient supply organ, early
development of digestive function in newly hatched chick will enable it
to better utilize nutrients, grow efficiently, and achieve the genetic
potential of contemporary broilers. Published data on the growth and
digestive function of the gastrointestinal tract in neonatal poultry
were reviewed. Several potential strategies to improve digestive tract
growth and function in newly hatched chick are available and the options
include breeder nutrition, in ovo feeding, early access to feed and
water, special pre-starter diets, judicious use of feed additives, and
early programming. -
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Great, Thanks
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Thanks
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