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Abstract
Chick quality is dependent upon conditions in the laying house, egg handling systems, and the hatchery. If any of these areas are sub-optimal, chick quality, in addition to hatchability, may deteriorate. Alternative methods to improve chick quality are warranted, especially in chicks from young broiler breeder flocks. Moreover, antibiotic compounds that improve early growth and prevent bacterial infections in broilers are becoming increasingly less available to commercial poultry producers. This paper is concerned with breeder hen nutrition as a means to improve chick quality. Published reports concerned with hen nutritional deficiencies and sufficiencies on progeny performance, rather than toxicities, are primarily discussed. The areas of protein, energy, fat, mineral, and vitamin hen nutrition that impact progeny status are reviewed. Non-nutritional substances (i.e., toxins) that impact progeny when present in the hen's diet are reviewed. Specific ingredients and nutrients fed to hens that influence progeny growth, carcass attributes, enzyme functions, and immunity are discussed.