Minimising weight loss in new broiler hatchlings through early feeding of trehalose

Two experiments were conducted to assess the effect of delayed access to feed post-hatch and the potential of two carbohydrate oligomers, trehalose and palatinose, as supplements for early feeding of broiler chickens. Delayed access to feed and water was found to reduce starting weight at placement while early access to feed generally improved it. Supplementation with trehalose, in particular, led to higher (P<0.001) 21d weights than in the other groups, although FCR was not improved. The benefit of early feeding was demonstrated and trehalose may have some potential as an early feed supplement. However, further studies are required into how it can be applied at economic levels to keep production costs down.