The poultry industry continuously seeks innovative ways to boost the health and resilience of broiler chickens, particularly in reducing reliance on antibiotics. A groundbreaking study conducted at the University of Guelph has revealed a promising strategy: improving the diets of broiler breeder hens by enriching them with omega-3 fatty acids. The findings suggest that the benefits of this enhanced nutrition extend from the breeder hens to their offspring, yielding stronger and more disease-resilient broiler chicks.
The Foundation of the Study
Dr. Elijah Kiarie, a professor of monogastric nutrition, led this research with Dr. Aizwarya (Ash) Thanabalan, his graduate student. Their goal was simple yet profound: determine whether supplementing broiler breeder diets with omega-3 fatty acids could positively influence the health of broiler chicks. “We wanted to know if enriching the diet of breeder hens with omega-3s could pass along benefits through the egg, resulting in stronger, healthier chicks,” Dr. Kiarie explained.
The researchers also examined whether these benefits could help broiler chicks better withstand disease challenges, focusing on coccidiosis, a common and economically significant disease in poultry.
Study Design and Implementation
The study was conducted over 64 weeks at the Arkell Poultry Research Station in Guelph. It involved 588 broiler breeder hens divided into three dietary groups from day one:
1. A control diet.
2. A diet enriched with 1% microalgae-sourced omega-3 (DHA).
3. A diet enriched with 2.5% flaxseed-sourced omega-3 (linPRO).
The research team explored numerous variables, including flock uniformity, bone development, egg quality, hatchability, and fertility rates. They also measured the fatty acid content of eggs to confirm omega-3 transfer from breeder hens to their eggs.
Once hatched, the broiler chicks were monitored throughout their production cycle. Performance indicators included body weight, feed intake, feed conversion ratios, and breast meat weight. To test resilience, chicks were exposed to varying levels of coccidiosis challenges at day 10.
Key Findings
The study’s results highlighted clear benefits of omega-3-enriched diets for both breeder hens and their progeny:
1. Improved Feed Conversion Ratios
Broilers fed flaxseed-based omega-3s demonstrated better feed conversion ratios compared to those receiving microalgae-sourced DHA. This makes flaxseed an attractive, sustainable option for Canadian poultry farms.
2. Higher Breast Meat Weight
Broilers fed flaxseed-sourced omega-3s exhibited a 5% increase in breast meat weight compared to those on DHA diets. Heavier chicks, often preferred by producers, were also linked to flaxseed diets.
3. Enhanced Disease Resilience
When broilers were challenged with coccidiosis, those fed flaxseed-based omega-3s showed lower lesion scores compared to their DHA-fed counterparts. This aligns with existing research indicating that DHA can suppress pro-inflammatory responses, potentially hindering immunity development.
4. Slow-Release Benefits of Flaxseed Omega-3s
Flax-based omega-3s require birds to metabolize the fatty acid before it becomes nutritionally available, creating a gradual and sustained impact on health and performance.
Implications for Poultry Nutrition
The study’s findings challenge conventional approaches to poultry nutrition. Traditionally, efforts to improve broiler performance have focused on starter diets. However, Dr. Kiarie advocates for a broader perspective: “There isn’t much more we can do with starter diets. The real opportunity lies in improving egg quality and chick health by focusing on breeder nutrition.”
Dr. Thanabalan emphasized the importance of bridging the gap between breeder and broiler production phases. “We need to start consciously feeding broiler breeders with the health of broilers in mind,” she said. This holistic approach can enhance overall production efficiency and sustainability.
A New Frontier in Nutrition
The research underscores the potential for a life-cycle approach to poultry nutrition. Dr. Bree Kelln, technical services manager at O & T Farms, highlighted the broader implications: “This study opens new doors for thinking beyond the 42-day broiler feeding period. It’s about considering the entire life cycle and its long-term impacts.”
Conclusion
The University of Guelph’s research demonstrates the transformative potential of omega-3-enriched diets for broiler breeders. By improving breeder nutrition, producers can achieve healthier, more resilient broiler chicks with enhanced growth performance and disease resistance. Flaxseed-based omega-3s, in particular, offer a sustainable and effective option for Canadian poultry farms.
As the poultry industry continues to evolve, adopting such holistic nutritional strategies could lead to significant advancements in productivity, animal welfare, and environmental sustainability. This research represents a crucial step toward a more integrated and forward-thinking approach to poultry farming.
