Feed and Water Management of the Broiler Chick for the First 72 Hours

Chicks which were hatch-mates were placed in rearing facilities 4 hr and 24 hr after removal from the hatchers. One-half of the birds placed at each of these times received only water for 12 hr before being given access to feed. The other half received both water and feed simultaneously. Birds that were placed in the pens 4 hr after removal from the hatchers were significantly (P≤.01) heavier at 28, 49, and 56 days of age than birds which were held in the hatchery for 24 hr prior to placement. There were no significant effects on the birds’ weight or feed conversion which could be attributed to the birds receiving only water for 12 hr or initially receiving both water and feed. There were no significant interactions between the time the birds were placed and whether they initially received only water or water and feed. Three studies were conducted to evaluate the effect of adding various supplements to the drinking water for the first 24 to 72 hr on the weight and feed conversion of broiler chickens. There were no benefits from adding 10% sucrose for 24 hr or 5% sucrose for 72 hr. In one trial, there was a significant (P<.05) weight response at 28 days of age when a vitamin mixture containing penicillin and streptomycin was added to the drinking water for the first 72 hr.