Achieving the ideal weight balance for broiler chicks and preventing the emergence of gout cases
Dr. Hashim Gamash
Chief Consultant Agricultural Engineer
The first growth stage of broiler chicks plays a crucial role in determining the final weight at marketing age, which is reflected in overall productivity and profitability. Therefore, fattening companies are interested in achieving the highest possible weight at the end of the first week, by improving the genetic heritage and providing suitable environmental conditions and high-quality feeding programs. However, with these efforts, some challenges have emerged, including the emergence of cases of visceral and joint gout as a result of overfeeding with feed containing high levels of protein.
Weight at the end of the first week: Weight at the end of the first week is an important indicator of the health of the flock and its future performance. In recent years, fattening companies have aspired to achieve a weight exceeding (220) grams at the end of the first week, after the previous ambition ranged between (180) grams. This progress came as a result of genetic improvements in body weight traits, in addition to developing nutritional rations such as pre-starter rations that are provided to the bird from the first day, in an amount ranging from (100) to (120) grams.
New feeding techniques: Among the modern methods that have emerged in this field is feeding chicks during the first three days of their presence in the hatchery, a technique known as (Pre-feeding). Some companies have also resorted to transferring eggs directly to the field after the incubation period (18 days), while providing suitable environmental conditions and feed in appropriate quantities.
Challenges of overfeeding: Despite these developments, an important observation has emerged in the field related to the increased consumption of feed with a high protein content. This excessive consumption has led to the emergence of health problems in the kidneys, and has led to pathological conditions known as (visceral gout), where uric acid accumulates in internal organs such as the liver, kidneys and lungs. It can also cause (arthral gout) where uric acid accumulates in the joints, causing swelling and difficulty in movement.
The required balance: It is now necessary to achieve a balance between obtaining a good weight at the end of the first week, and avoiding overfeeding with high-protein feed in the second week. To avoid gout problems, it is recommended to make changes in the quality of feed after the first week, and to use kidney and liver stimulants when anatomical symptoms of gout appear to reduce potential damage.
Finally, the pursuit of the best results in broiler farming must be done with caution and based on a careful balance between achieving the ideal weight and the health of the flock. Innovations in the field of nutrition and genetic improvement may contribute to achieving these goals, but the health status should always be monitored and the necessary measures should be taken to avoid health problems associated with overfeeding.
