Effect of neonatal hydrating supplementation on the absorptive surface area of the jejunum in the early stage of Cobb500™

Abstract

The effect of neonatal supplementation on the absorptive surface area of the jejunum up to 14 days of age was investigated in 320 male Cobb500™ chicks. After vaccination, the neonatal hydrating product was added to the transport box. Four fasted groups (A - D) contained chicks housed at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-hatching and four treated groups (E - H) also contained chicks housed at 8, 24, 48, and 72 hours post-hatching. Samples from four animals per group were collected at 8 h, 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h post-hatching as well as on the 7th and 14th days of production. The following measurements were taken at 10 points along the jejunum of each animal: villus height, mean width, distance between villi, and crypt diameter, followed by the calculation of the absorptive area of the jejunum. Statistical analyses were performed using ANOVA and Tukey's post-hoc test at a 5% significance level (p<0.05). Group E had the largest mean absorptive area throughout the experiment: 853.26 µ² and 1,098 µ² at 24 h and 72 h, respectively. This corresponds to approximately 50% more than that of the control group in the same post-hatching period. The approach described in this study offers a novel option for neonatal poultry nutrition, promoting animal welfare and the commercial viability of newly hatched chicks.