The use of the pre - starter diet in broiler nutrition

Abstract

Increased attention is now being given to the nutritional needs of the 
chicken during the first week post - hatching , not only because this period 
has become recognized as being ever more critical in the development of 
modern broilers but also because broilers are reaching market weight in a 
shorter period . As a strategy to compensate for an initially immature 
digestive system , interest in the use of pre - starter diets has been arisen , 
with the goal of providing either a higher concentration of nutrients or 
more digestible ingredients facilitate nutrient utilization during the first 
week of life . Research has shown clear evidence of increased performance 
of chicks by the inclusion of certain carbohydrates and protein sources in 
the pre starter For the modern meat - type , fast growing chickens , the use 
of a pre - starter diet may become one important strategy to achieve flock 
uniformity . enhance growth performance during the first week , and 
improve livability at the end of the production cycle .