Effects of Early Feeding Time Post-hatch on Growth, Organ Development, and Blood Biochemical Profile in Broiler Chickens

The effects of early feeding time on growth performance, organ weight, blood biochemical, and leukocyte profile were investigated in post-hatch broiler chickens to 35 days of age. From 7 d to 21 d, early feeding (3 h after hatching) had a significant (p < 0.01) effect on body weight gain, and at 14 d, chicks fed 3 and 12 h after hatching were significantly heavier (p < 0.01) than those fed later. At 7 d, feed intake was significantly higher (p < 0.01) among chicks fed 3 and 12 h after hatching. At 21 d, chicks fed 3 h after hatching showed significantly higher feed intake (p < 0.01) than those fed later. At 3 d, gizzard weight was significantly heavier (p < 0.05) in chicks fed 24, 36, and 48 h after hatching than in those fed earlier, and small intestinal weight was also significantly higher (p < 0.05). At 35 d of age, ALT was higher (p < 0.01) in chicks fed 36 and 48 h after hatching, and the eosinophil level was significantly higher (p < 0.01) in chicks fed 3, 24, 36, and 48 h after hatching.