ABSTRACT
Hatchery contamination can result in ingested or
inhaled microbes that may modify colonization of the intestinal and respiratory
tract, with potential to influence early growth, inflammation, and overall
health. Six experiments were completed to compare chick quality, inflammation,
and health between two hatcheries (H1 and H2). On embryonic d0, 45 eggs from
the same breeder flock were set at each hatchery. On d0, length, abdominal
height, navel and leg abnormalities, and self-righting were measured for 36
chicks/hatchery, yolk sacs were weighed, and crop/cloaca swabs were cultured
from 12 chicks/hatchery. On d7, mid-ileum and ceca were cultured from 12
chicks/hatchery. On d0 and d7, body weight (BW) and intestinal weight were measured, lung/air sac swabs and liver were cultured, and liver and air
sacs were scored for health. Blood was collected on d0 and d7 for serum
alpha-1-acid glycoprotein concentrations in Exp 1 and 2. Data was analyzed
using Student’s t-test or χ2,
significance p < 0.05. On d0, BW, length, yolk free BW, and intestinal
weight were greater for H2 chicks (p < 0.05). Liver bacterial recovery was
decreased in H2 on d0 (p < 0.05) and there were fewer average leg and
righting abnormalities in H2 (p < 0.05). Decreased lactase positive
Enterobacteriaceae were noted in H2 in crop/cloaca and lung/air sac swabs (p
< 0.05), and of alpha and beta hemolysis in crop/cloaca swabs, and alpha and
gamma hemolysis in lung/air sac swabs (p < 0.05) on d0. By d7, only alpha
hemolytic bacteria were increased in lung/air sac swabs of H2. Based on factors
measured, chicks from H2 showed favorable microbial colonization, starting
quality, and improved health on d0. While not sustained through d7, differences
in d0 microbial recovery may have shifted microbial development and potentially
influenced immune response development. These experiments elucidated the
importance of hatchery environment on early chick quality, microbial
colonization, overall inflammation, and chick health.
Share and Cite:
Chasser, K. , Duff, A. , McGovern, K. , Trombetta, M. and Bielke, L. (2023) Comparison of Chick Quality, Health, and Inflammation from Two Hatchery Environments.
Food and Nutrition Sciences,
14, 824-842. doi:
10.4236/fns.2023.149053.