Decreasing weight loss in the hatchery by feeding chicks and poults in hatching trays

This study investigated the effect of feeding in hatching trays on incubator weight loss and posthatch growth of chicks and poults. After hatch body weight (BW) of poultry decreased linearly in the hatching trays between 0.14 and 0.17 g/hr. When feed was present, BW loss was initially linear and then plateaued. Chicks and poults with access to feed were 2 to 3.5 g heavier, when removed from the incubator, than were held birds. Egg weight was correlated with hatch weight, but not wit time of hatching. The enhanced BW at placement due to feed ingestion in the hatchery was maintained through 21 days, with early hatching chicks and poults showing the greatest hatchery decrease in BW (partially alleviated by feeding). Late hatching poultry were less affected by holding or feeding. Availability of feed in hatching trays decreased BW losses in the hatchery and enhanced posthatch growth.