Perinatal Nutrition, Post-Hatch Holding Time and In ovo feeding

The most important times during the development of young chicks are the days immediately prior to hatching and the days immediately after hatching, known as the perinatal period. A sufficient supply of nutrients during the perinatal period is a crucial during the late stage of embryonic development and the starvation period of the young chicks. The delayed post-hatch holding time can restrict the development of the gastrointestinal tract, reduce final body weight, impair muscle development, and change immunological capacities. These symptoms are deleterious to the development of young chicks. Therefore, the post-hatch holding time and its influence on the fitness of young chicks are major concerns to the poultry industry. The in ovo feeding is a practical technology for perinatal nutrition to optimize poultry production and for attenuating the stress experienced by fasting young chicks. This study will discuss in ovo feeding and its effect on the development of the chick embryo, the establishment of a healthy microbiota, and the improving immune response. (