Internal medicine

Biotechnology

Broiler

Physiology

Evolutionary biology

Biology

Animal science

Function (biology)

Embryo

Starter

In ovo

Digestive tract

Gastrointestinal tract

Fishery

Food science

Biochemistry

Medicine

Animals

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.

Nutrition and Digestive Physiology of the Broiler Chick: State of the Art and Outlook