Effects of breeder age on embryonic development, hatching results, chick quality, and growing performance of the slow-growing genotype

Abstract

The present study aimed to ascertain the effects of slow-growing breeder age on embryo development, incubation results, and chick quality and of the interaction between breeder age and hatching time on initial performance. A total of 630 hatching eggs obtained from a commercial flock of slow-growing broiler breeders (Isa Label Naked Neck) were evaluated in 2 experiments. The first experiment evaluated embryo development and hatching results for broiler breeder age treatments of 38 and 51 wk, whereas the second experiment evaluated broiler chick performance. For the second experiment, chicks were distributed in a 2 x 2 factorial randomized block (sex) experimental design consisting of 2 breeder ages (31 or 58 wk) and 2 hatching times (479–485 and 491–497 h). At 18 d of embryonic development, embryos of 51-wk-old breeders were larger than those of 38-wk-old breeders ( P < 0.05), whereas yolk-free chick weight was similar ( P > 0.05). Embryo organ weight was similar for the 2 breeder ages ( P > 0.05); however, there was greater development of intestinal villi for embryos of the 51-wk-old breeders. There were no differences between breeder ages in hatchability and chick quality score ( P > 0.05). Yolk-free chick weight at pulling was greater ( P < 0.05) for chicks from 51-wk-old breeders. Hatching time did not affect performance from 1 to 7 d ( P > 0.05); however, chicks hatching at 491–497 h had better performance from 1 to 28 d than did chicks hatching at 479–485 h ( P < 0.05). In conclusion, the age of slow-growing breeders affects embryo villi development and chick weight but does not improve incubation results or chick quality. Chicks hatching later (491–497 h) had better performance results than chicks hatching earlier (479–485 h).

Breeder age and hatching egg storage duration: effects on post-hatch performance of FUNAAB- α broiler chickens

“…Higher hatchling (initial) weights from 60-wk-old breeders in this study can be attributed to heavier eggs being set during incubation. Additionally, the higher weight of the chicks from older breeders can be attributed to the higher yolk of the eggs ( Machado et al, 2020 ). The yolk sac is a crucial nutrient source during perinatal development.…”

Factors influencing the development of gastrointestinal tract and nutrient transporters' function during the embryonic life of chickens—A review

“…Thus, it has expected that breeder age can affect intestinal development, that is, chicks from older breeders have longer villus in the duodenum, jejunum, and ileum and lower villus density compared to the chicks from young breeders (Maiorka et al, 2016; Yalcin et al, 2013). Comparing eggs from 38 and 51 weeks slow‐growing broiler breeders, Machado et al (2020) also found a greater developed intestinal villi. The more developed intestine obtained in day‐old chicks from older breeders is associated with the yolk absorption of developing embryos, which is higher in embryos of the older breeders than that of younger breeders (Nangsuay et al, 2011).…”

A Study on Egg Production and Quality According to the Age of Four Italian Chicken Dual-Purpose Purebred Hens Reared Outdoors

“…Egg production from local purebreds is still a niche form of production, which shows variability in the management of birds throughout their growth and laying cycle and in the egg supply for marketing. Nonetheless, for dual-purpose breeds, the availability of chicks for meat production is a limitation for the management of the farm [12]. For birds reared outdoors, variations in the onset of laying and on the hen-day egg production may occur according to the month of hatching [13], as well as the age, which varies among genotypes [14].…”