Enhancement of Early Development in Turkeys by in Ovo Feeding

Approximately 5% of hatchlings do not survive the critical post-hatch period because of limited body reserves. Many survivors exhibit stunted growth, leg problems, inefficient feed utilization, reduced disease resistance, or poor meat yield. This poult quality problem has been calculated to be worth approximately $71 million and $142 million annually to the US and global turkey industry respectively. The ultimate goal of in ovo feeding is to improve the economically important production traits associated with hatchling vigor. These include improved hatchling weight, growth rate and food utilization; reduced poult mortality and morbidity; improved immune response to enteric antigens; increased muscle development and meat yield, and reduced cost per kilogram of consumable poultry meat.