Birds benefit from early access to feed and water

Hatching systems that enable access to feed immediately after hatching come in 2 forms. One provides feed and water in the hatcher, while the other eggs hatch in the barn on-farm and the chicks have direct access to feed and water there. Scientific research and practical results from hatching broiler chicks in the barn often show better technical results while animal welfare is increased. However, better technical results are not always seen until the end of the production cycle. This may be